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THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 



JfNOW'ST thou when Fate 

Thy measure takes , or when she 7 / say to thee , 
“ / thee worthy ; do this deed for me” 

JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL. 








" Wear this crown , until France 
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Copyright, 1905, 

By A. C. McClurg & Co. 

Entered at Stationers’ Hall, London 
All rights reserved 


Published April 8, 1905 



THE UNIVERSITY PRESS 
CAMBRIDGE, U. S. A. 







LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


I staked your ten pounds at 
Crockford’s, and this is what 
it won ” 


Gentlemen, I have the honour to 
announce to you that the Second 
Empire has begun ” . . . . 


Decorations and Cover Design 
by Mabel Harlow 


xxxxxx 










imu xxxzi 


CHAPTER ONE 




THE FLOWER OF 
DESTINY 

A FOI ! GENTLEMEN, 

M but the evening lags,” 
exclaimed Lord Douglass, 
shrugging his shoulders, 
and pushing his chair 
back from the table. “I 
wonder what evil chance has delayed 
D’Orsay to-night.” 

“ You have no right to complain, 
Douglass. The fall of the dice has 

tii ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

surely been favourable to your fortunes. 
Rather let me, on whom the fickle jade 
still refuses to smile, be the one to 
reproach her.” 

“ As if the winning or the losing 
made up the evening, Eglinton,” replied 
Douglass, turning toward the speaker 
with a yawn ; “ fie on you, gambler, to 
put forth a sentiment so unworthy ! ” 

Lord Eglinton replaced his empty 
purse in his pocket, and gravely passed 
his elaborate snuff-box around the table. 
A feeling of discontent had clearly 
affected the coterie of congenial spirits 
around the hazard-bank at Crockford’s. 
Not a sovereign lay upon the board, and 
old Crockford, once fishmonger, but now 
millionaire, recognised the necessity of 
stimulating the situation. 

“ Your bets, gentlemen, your bets ! ” 
[ 12 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Patience,” cried Douglass, at the in- 
vitation. “We only hold our gold by 
courtesy, for your accursed magnet will 
soon draw it back from us whether we 
will or no. Patience, — let us caress it, 
and foolishly imagine it will breed 
more, while waiting for our fellow- 
victims.” 

With common impulse the gamblers 
drew back their chairs, and the caster 
discreetly seated himself beside the bank. 

“Hazard is a silly game,” continued 
Douglass in a reflective mood; “we 
keep on playing just as if we expected 
to win out, when we know deuced well 
that we’re bound to lose in the end.” 

“ Not so silly when one hits the bank 
so hard as you have to-night,” retorted 
Eglinton. 

“Yes, it is,” Douglass insisted lan- 

[ 13 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

guidly, reaching out his hand to play with 
the gold pieces on the table beside him. 
“ These pretty creatures will sleep out of 
the bank to-night, that’s all. They’re 
jolly sure to return home by to-morrow 
night 1 ” 

Crockford’s, at No. ?0 St. James’s 
Street, was by no means an ordinary 
gaming-house. A portion of the heavy 
winnings which had come to mine host 
had been invested in a magnificent build- 
ing well fitted as a setting for its gilded 
habitues. The four Corinthian pilasters, 
the entablature and the balustrade, the 
Venetian windows on the ground-floor, 
and the large French windows above, 
gave a genteel and aristocratic air to the 
exterior. Within the building, in the 
entrance-hall, there was a screen of 
Roman-Ionic scagliola columns with gilt 

[ 14 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

capitals, and a cupola of gilding and 
stained glass. The library had Sienna 
columns and antae of the Ionic order, 
from the Temple of Minerva Polias ; the 
staircase was panelled with scagliola, and 
enriched with Corinthian columns. The 
grand drawing-room was furnished and 
decorated in the style of the Grand 
Monarque, — an azure ground, with 
elaborate core ; the ceiling enriched with 
bronze gilt, the door-way paintings after 
Watteau, and the panelling, masks, and 
terminals of heavy gilt. Night after 
night the scions of noble families gath- 
ered there, investing it with their own 
respectability; and no club in London 
boasted a more aristocratic membership. 
Admission to its sacred precincts was 
jealously guarded, and the intimacy of 
the chosen circle was broken only by the 

[ 15 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

presence of the proprietor, who had come 
to be regarded merely as a necessary 
appurtenance. 

“ The Count d’Orsay 1 ” sounded the 
stentorian voice of the liveried porter at 
the door, as a new-comer was ushered 
into the room with the usual formality. 
The Count bowed gravely to his friends, 
but laid aside his hat and cloak with 
evident signs of suppressed excitement. 
The gentlemen rose to their feet with 
one accord. 

“ The good saints be praised, D’Orsay, 
that you have come at last,” cried 
Douglass, placing his hand upon his 
friend’s shoulder ; “and best of all, your 
face shows that you have some tidings 
to relieve this beastly ennui which is 
killing us.” 

“ Right you are, Douglass,” replied the 
[ 16 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Count, slowly advancing to one of the 
chairs, and speaking with measured de- 
liberation. “ I have news to confide 
which by to-morrow morning will set 
all Europe by the ears.” 

“Come, D’Orsay; why flay us with 
this unkind suspense ? Have done, and 
give it to us quickly 1 ” 

“ Louis Napoleon has escaped from 
Ham 1 ” 

“ The Prince escaped ? Impossible I ” 
D’Orsay shrugged his shoulders, and 
carefully rearranged the folds of his 
elaborate costume as he replied : 

“ 1 knew you would not believe me 
unless 1 broke the news to you gradu- 
ally; but you would have it otherwise. 
In spite of your incredulous acceptance 
of my statement, however, I reaffirm its 
reliability, and may further say that our 

[ 17 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

erstwhile companion will soon be here 
to prove it in the flesh.” 

“ Louis Napoleon here in London ! 
As you love us, D’Orsay, postpone your 
toilette operations and tell us how it 
happens.” 

“ So 1 will, if you give me the chance. 
Listen. 1 was dressing this afternoon at 
Gore House, when my valet announced 
that a stranger desired to be admitted, 
who would not give his name, and 
whose appearance was — well, not 
altogether prepossessing. 1 at once 
jumped to the conclusion that it was 
the trick of some bailiff or tradesman, 
who took this method of serving me 
with a process, so 1 sent back word to 
the mysterious visitor that 1 declined to 
receive him, and that he must depart at 
once.” 

[ 18 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ And the mysterious visitor was Louis 
Napoleon?” interrupted Eglinton. 

“ In another moment,” continued the 
Count, not heeding the interruption, 
“ my valet returned to say that the 
person at the door refused to leave 
without seeing me, as he had called on 
business of importance. 1 was very 
annoyed, for these money sharks have 
been almost past endurance the last 
few months; but I decided finally to take 
a look at the fellow. Going down-stairs 
with the valet, 1 cautiously looked through 
the door of the ante-room, and there, 
straight before my eyes, was the face 
and figure of our friend, — but in such a 
plight ! His moustache was shaved off, 
he had a three days’ stubble on his face, 
and his costume was indescribable ! 1 
received him with open arms, gave him 
[ 19 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

a chance to make himself presentable, 
clothed him in one of my own suits, and 
you shall shortly behold the metamor- 
phosed Prince, resuming his old-time 
comradeship which cruel circumstance 
temporarily interrupted ! ” 

The Count closed his recital with a 
mock-heroic gesture, and glanced from 
face to face, well satisfied with the un- 
disguised amazement which his story 
created. 

“ Louis Philippe scarce regarded the 
Boulogne affair as a ‘cruel circum- 
stance,’ ” observed Douglass dryly, 
“ but our Louis has served them jolly 
well to have given them the slip. ’T is a 
bit of a change, is it not ? — from a life 
sentence at the fortress of Ham to an 
evening at Crockford’s! Has he told 
you how he accomplished it?” 

[ 20 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Not in detail. We must learn that 
from his own lips when he arrives. He 
should be here now,” D’Orsay continued, 
glancing at his watch ; “ 1 wonder what 
keeps him.” 

“ Let us resume the game,” suggested 
Eglinton, “ and cheer up our friend the 
caster, who is less interested than we in 
the unexpected turn of the evening.” 

“ On the contrary, gentlemen,” replied 
Crockford, eagerly taking advantage of 
the unusual opportunity to join in the 
conversation, “ no true Englishman could 
hear of the Prince’s escape without re- 
joicing. Like his uncle, he cannot be 
kept down, and must some day become 
Emperor.” 

“ Hear the man talk,” cried Eglinton 
patronisingly, turning to his companions. 
“ Louis Napoleon is the Prince of Good 
[ 21 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Fellows, and the Prince of Dreamers, but 
there we end. France has forgotten 
him, and the great Napoleon’s warlike 
eagle has become as tame as a barnyard 
fowl. The Prince’s creditors would 
rejoice to have such confidence, but I 
fear that the borrowing capacity of his 
‘ destiny ’ has been sadly overtaxed.” 

“ We shall see, my lord ; we shall seel ” 
Crockford took refuge behind his bank, 
fearing he had been too forward. 

“ Prince Louis Napoleon 1 ” 

The door again opened, and the 
familiar figure stood before them. To 
one observing him critically, he would 
hardly have appealed as the claimant to 
a powerful throne, or as the heir of his 
illustrious uncle. He was heavy, almost 
to dulness, with pallid face, quiet and 
impassive, to which his half-closed eye- 
[ 22 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

lids gave a peculiar expression. His 
long arms were quite out of proportion 
when compared with the shortness of his 
legs, and his whole aspect favoured the 
German rather than the French. But to 
his friends, who crowded enthusiastically 
about him, he was the same Louis 
Napoleon who had left them six years 
before, to embark upon his foolhardy 
attempt to overthrow the Orleans 
dynasty, — the same quiet dignity, the 
same observant, thoughtful aspect, the 
same powerful, irresistible magnetism as 
of old. 

“ Here you are at last ! ” cried D’Orsay. 
“A f.ew moments more and these 
gentlemen would have cast me from 
their midst as a bearer of false tidings. 
Come, Prince, give an account of your- 
self.” 

[ 23 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Gentlemen, I greet you,” replied 
Louis warmly, “ and I crave your indul- 
gence. You know well that nothing 
save duty could have delayed me in 
rejoining this congenial company. My 
thanks are due to our good friend, 
D’Orsay, who fitted me out in this gor- 
geous finery, of which I felt so proud 
that I could not resist the temptation to 
display myself in it at the shrine of 
Venus.” 

“ Ah ! 1 had forgotten Mrs. Howard. 
And has the goddess remained faithful 
to her old-time slave ? ” 

“ Jest not, D’Orsay,” the Prince replied 
gravely. “ You little know how loyal Mrs. 
Howard has been, both in her devotion 
and in her untiring efforts on my behalf 
during my imprisonment. She is not 
only a goddess, but an angel I Were I 

[ 24 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

my own master, and not a creature of 
destiny, I believe I would marry her, to 
prove my gratitude.” 

“ That would be gallant, Prince, but 
exceedingly indiscreet. But to turn 
from Venus to Mars, I have promised 
these gentlemen full details from you of 
the escape from Ham.” 

The Prince’s face at once became 
serious. 

“ There is more to tell, dear friends, 
than of the escape. That is but an 
incident. The imprisonment itself is 
much more significant. Almost six 
years have passed since I was last with 
you, — six hard years, one might imagine ; 
yet how have they treated me? Am I 
unduly aged, has my confidence in my 
ultimate destiny been weakened ? Look 
at me, and answer for yourselves.” 

[ 25 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ What can have happened behind 
those grim fortifications, my dear Louis, 
to inspire you with such enthusiasm ? ” 
asked Douglass. “ Have you succeeded 
in arousing a revolution at Ham, or has 
Louis Philippe apologised for clapping 
you into prison, and offered to abdicate 
in your favour?” 

“ Neither the one nor the other, 
cousin,” replied the Prince, with a vestige 
of a smile, which quickly disappeared. 
“ I had no desire to leave the place while 
the temper of the people remained as it 
was. With the name I bear I must have 
the gloom of a cell or the light of power. 
But I had confidence that beneath their 
apparent indifference over my captivity 
their loyalty to my house still held 
strong. And I was not mistaken. It 
has been popular opinion alone which 
[ 26 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

made my escape possible. During the 
first months of my captivity 1 was kept 
in the most rigorous confinement, and 
every kind of communication from with- 
out was strictly forbidden. My daily 
exercise was upon the ramparts, with a 
dozen guards to watch each step. Even 
Thelin, my faithful valet, was hounded 
as remorselessly as myself. No one dared 
raise his eyes to me, or perform the 
simplest act of civility. Every one fled 
at my approach. This insulting inquisi- 
tion, pursuing me into my very chamber, 
following my every footstep, was ex- 
tended even to my thoughts. My letters 
to my family — even these effusions of 
my heart — were submitted to the closest 
scrutiny. There, in the midst of France, 
— the France which the head of my 
family had made so great, — 1 was treated 

[ 27 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

not as a political prisoner, but as a com- 
mon felon 1 ” 

“ But, my dear Prince, how could you 
have expected anything different?” in- 
terrupted D’Orsay. 

“ I did not expect anything different 
from the King,” replied Louis, “ but I 
could not believe that the people would 
endure it so long. In spite of all Persigny 
and the other Bonaparte leaders in France 
could do, it was not until my uncle’s 
ashes touched French soil that any 
progress could be made. Then matters 
changed. Louis Philippe no longer dared 
to risk his tottering throne by disregard- 
ing the temper of the people. My con- 
finement became less rigorous. Thelin 
was allowed to visit the town to execute 
my commissions, and callers were ad- 
mitted to see me. I could converse with 
[ 28 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

my fellow-captives, and it even came 
about that in the evening De Marie, the 
commandant, General Montholon, Dr. 
Conneau, and 1 had our rubber at whist 
as regularly as the stern old war-dog 
made his final rounds for the night.” 

“ 1 should have liked to cut into that 
rubber, Prince 1 ” laughed Douglass. “ I 
hope that you recovered some of the 
government funds which the Orleans 
family so rudely appropriated ! ” 

“It all worked toward the desired 
end,” continued the Prince. “The de- 
mands of the people forced the King to 
make my confinement less severe, and 
this permitted greater intimacy with the 
officials. Old Marie evidently thought I 
could desire nothing beyond our evening 
game of whist, and became less watchful. 
Then came my chance. Repairs were 

[ 29 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

necessary in the fortress, and a squad of 
workmen was admitted each day between 
two files of soldiers. 1 determined to 
disguise myself as one of these, and 
make my escape in the evening. Dr. 
Conneau and Thelin entered heartily 
into the plot. The clothes were obtained, 
my height was increased four inches by 
inserting high-heeled boots into some 
wooden sabots, the deception being con- 
cealed by the loose trousers. A soiled 
blouse, an old blue linen apron, a long 
black wig, and a soiled cap completed 
the disguise. My moustache was cut 
off, as you see, and my hands and face 
were stained red. I was determined not 
to suffer the disgrace of being taken 
alive, so 1 had a dagger concealed be- 
neath my blouse ; and with a long shelf, 
taken from my library and hoisted 

[ 30 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

over my shoulder, I was ready for the 
attempt. 

“ I went down the stairs, at the bottom 
of which two of my keepers were posted. 
Thelin was ahead of me, and he engaged 
one in conversation, while I came so 
near accidentally striking the other with 
my plank that he drew back, allowing us 
to pass. Thus I went through the 
wicket into the courtyard, where 1 met 
several officials, but not one recognised 
me. When we arrived at the great gate, 
Thelin was playing boisterously with 
my dog ‘ Ham,’ which he led by a leash, 
and he quite absorbed the keeper’s atten- 
tion. The bolt was drawn, 1 passed out, 
followed closely by Thelin, and took the 
road along the ramparts leading towards 
St. Quentin, while my valet hastened to 
the village to find a carriage which he 

[ 31 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

had engaged the previous evening. We 
met again at the cemetery of St. Sulpice, 
two miles distant from the fortress, and 
drove rapidly over the fifteen miles to St. 
Quentin, where I exchanged my work- 
man’s costume for another, — which our 
fastidious D’Orsay here has probably told 
you did not meet with his entire approval, 
— left the carriage, and passed around 
the town on foot. Thelin, in the mean- 
time, secured fresh horses, and met me 
on the Cambray road. We drove to 
Valenciennes, where Thelin’s passport 
stood the examination, and there we 
took the train of cars which left at four 
o’clock for Brussels. I was in an agony 
of suspense until the train left Valen- 
ciennes behind us, but we finally 
reached Brussels in safety, went thence 
to Ostend, and here 1 am.” 

[ 32 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Bravo, Prince ! I envy you your 
experience,” cried Eglinton, as Louis 
paused; “ but how was your escape 
concealed at Ham for so long a 
time?” 

“ 1 await news on that point myself,” 
answered the Prince, smiling. “ Dr. 
Conneau had put a dummy figure in 
my bed, with its face turned to the wall, 
and the plan was for him to report me as 
ill immediately after my escape. How 
long he succeeded in his deception I am 
curious to learn.” 

“ Well, Louis,” said Douglass thought- 
fully, “ you are free at last, and we rejoice 
that you have escaped two great curses, 
— a prison and a throne. But will you 
now be quiet ? Will you now lay aside 
those fallacies which have cost you so 
dear, and dismiss the cruel delusions of 

[ 33 ) 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

those dreams which have given those 
who love you such anxiety ? ” 

The Prince gazed into his friend’s face 
for a moment before replying, and there 
was a note of sadness in his voice when 
he answered : 

“ My dear cousin, must 1 give up all 
hope of ever convincing you that 1 do 
not belong to myself, but to my name 
and to my country? It is because my 
fortune has twice betrayed me that my 
destiny is nearer its accomplishment. I 
bide my time 1 ” 

“ Come, Douglass,” cried Eglinton, 
“you are on forbidden ground, and the 
conversation takes too serious a turn. A 
fresh bottle of champagne, waiter, and a 
toast to our future Emperor 1 ” 

“ Ah ! that is better,” exclaimed the 
Prince, again throwing off the serious- 

[ 34 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

ness which placed him apart from his 
companions. “ 1 have quite monopolised 
the conversation since my arrival, and it 
is now your turn to amuse me with an 
account of your own misdemeanours. 
Come, cousin, tell me what is the present 
excitement which keeps you interested 
in the world.” 

“ Douglass would never answer you 
truthfully, Prince,” replied Eglinton, 
speaking for his friend. “ Your worthy 
cousin is at present paying assiduous 
court to the most ravishing beauty 
who has yet burst upon our vision. 
Confess, you sly dogl Am 1 not 
right ? ” 

“ Confess ? Egad, 1 ’m proud of it ! 
Ma foi ! — what eyes, what hair ! She 
has every blade in London at her feet, 
and her army of admirers grows every 

[ 35 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

time she shows herself on horseback or 
in the salons.” 

“ And 1 twelve hours in London, 
D’Orsay, without a word of this vision 
of loveliness?” cried Louis, in mock 
reproach. 

“ My word for it, cousin, you ’d better 
not be presented if you still dream of an 
Empire,” volunteered Douglass, sulking 
over the Prince’s devotion to his destiny. 
“ Once in her presence, old chap, and 
you’ll forget that you ‘belong to your 
name and to your country ’ ! ” 

Eglinton again came to the rescue. 
“ 1 saw Mademoiselle de Montijo in the 
Park this afternoon, riding that wild 
Andalusian horse of hers. Mon Dieu ! 
she was a picture, as she went by, more 
like a part of the horse itself than like 
the queen of beauty she was when we 

[ 36 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

saw her at Lady Blessington’s last week. 
Here is her charm above all other women 
we meet, — she is so daring, yet so 
dainty ; so shockingly unconventional, 
yet so lovable and womanly when the 
fancy strikes her.” 

“ Did she wear still another bewilder- 
ing combination of costume ? ” asked 
D’Orsay. 

“ Still another, and the most striking 
yet. Her bodice was a marvellous crea- 
tion, and must have cost a fortune. She 
had exchanged the fan for a riding-whip, 
and in her belt she wore that sharp- 
pointed dagger she showed us the other 
day. She had on little red-satin boots, 
and her crown of golden-brown hair 
was interwoven with pearls and violets. 
But after all, it is her face which plays 
the mischief, for no one ever saw such 

[ 37 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

sparkling blue eyes, making fools of all 
they look at from beneath the long 
lashes, such an exquisite nose, such a 
mouth, sweeter than a rosebud. In fact, 
her loveliness is only equalled by her 
graceful bearing. I drink to our goddess 
from Spain, gentlemen, and may one of 
our number yet prove the fortunate man 
to tame her spirit, and revenge us all ! ” 

“ Bravo, Eglinton 1 you have surely 
communed with the Muses since I left 
you,” laughed the Prince. “And now 
that I have heard so glowing a descrip- 
tion, will not some one reveal the identity 
of this ‘ goddess from Spain,’ and relieve 
my overpowering curiosity ? ” 

“Since you think me remiss in not 
having told you of her sooner, Prince, 1 
will answer your question now, — as 
much as any one can answer it,” replied 

[ 38 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

D’Orsay. “ Three months ago the 
Countess de Montijo and her daughter 
came to London from Madrid. Baron 
Rothschild presented them, and they 
have been the rounds ever since. You 
have not asked concerning the Countess, 
so I will spare you her description 
except to say that she is a lady of 
estimable qualities, with a high ambi- 
tion for her daughter’s future. Of 
the daughter, the fair Eugenie, Eglinton, 
with all his poetic accomplishments, has 
greatly understated her charms. She 
evidently captivated every gay spark in 
Spain, and now has come to London 
looking for new worlds to conquer.” 

“ How remarkable that such a paragon 
as you describe should still be looking 
for ’conquest,” suggested Louis. 

“ But you have not heard the whole 

139 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

story, my dear Prince. Around this 
charming personality float the most re- 
markable rumours. It is said that in 
Spain she frequently appeared in man’s 
attire, that she is famous as the originator 
of the most striking and conspicuous 
bathing costumes, that in her hand a 
riding-whip and a dagger are quite as 
much at home as a bouquet or a fan. 
We have all been on the qui vive for 
some pretty scandal to occur here in 
London ; yet this has not kept us from 
her feet. I ’ll be bound every man in 
this room has paid homage, knelt to her, 
and been refused ! ” 

“ Rumour saith that she might be 
seen each afternoon in Madrid,” added 
Douglass, apparently anxious to turn the 
subject, “wearing the most wonderful 
costumes, and galloping through the 

[ 40 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

streets on an unsaddled horse, smoking 
a cigar or cigarette.” 

“And quite the queen of the bull- 
fights,” continued Eglinton ; “ always 
sitting in the front row, amongst the 
most eager and noisiest of the spectators, 
crowning the victorious toreador with 
her own white hands, and her most cap- 
tivating smile.” 

“ Surely the lady has set the tongues 
wagging since her arrival,” ventured the 
Prince indifferently. “ I judge that she 
is — well, how does society receive her, 
D’Orsay ? ” 

“ Now you have touched the most 
remarkable point in the whole affair,” 
replied D’Orsay. “With all her wild- 
ness, and with every propriety thrown to 
the wind, not a breath of scandal has 
touched her. She meets each man on 

[ 41 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

his own ground, and plays him to a 
standstill at his own game. The little 
coquette has hit us hard, every one 
of us, and we are forced to admit our 
ignominious defeat.” 

“ Have you heard the story that before 
she left Madrid she tried to enter a con- 
vent ? ” asked Eglinton. 

“ A convent for Eugenie ! ” 

“ So they say ; the report is that when 
she entered the nunnery to take her holy 
vows a half-witted nun came towards 
her, stood still, and looked at her with a 
vacant, idiotic stare, then suddenly ex- 
claimed : ‘ My daughter, seek not for rest 
within our walls. You are called to 
adorn a throne 1 ’ ” 

“ Do you hear that, Louis ? ” cried 
Douglass. “ There is a prophecy for 
you! It must be for your throne in 

[ 42 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

France that she is going to exchange her 
castles in Spain ! ” 

“ Peace, sceptic ! ” answered the Prince, 
indulgently. “ Who knows but that you 
may be right. Gentlemen,” he cried, 
holding his glass aloft, “I ask you to 
drink to my future Empress, and to a 
speedy meeting with Mademoiselle de 
Montijo. And now, caster, we have 
wasted enough of the evening upon 
gossip and personalities. Start the 
game, and may good luck attend us I ” 

Crockford did not require further 
suggestion. In a moment he was at his 
accustomed post, with dice-box in hand, 
while the men again gathered about the 
table. 

“ Gentlemen, make your bets ! Gentle- 
men, make your bets ! ” 

[ 43 ] 
























9 



























CHAPTER TWO 


* 









TTT^m XT^TXTTT rTTTTTTTTr rrTYYTrr 



J WOULD do what I pleased ; and doing what 
* I pleased, I should have my own will ; and 
having my will, I should he contented ; and when 
one is contented , there is no more to he desired ; 
and when there is no more to he desired , there is 
an end of it. 


CERVANTES. 


CHAPTER TWO 


HE SHOULD BE HERE 
by this time, Baron,” said 
the Countess de Montijo, 
rising with some difficulty 
from the rather low fau- 
teuil, and advancing to the 
window, where she pulled aside the 
heavy hangings, and looked searchingly 
up and down the street. “ My daughter 
and 1 are under deep obligations to you 
fof the introductions which you have 
given us here in London.” 

[ 47 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ One good turn deserves another, my 
dear Countess,” replied Baron Rothschild 
cordially. “ Without your kind offices 
in Madrid I should scarcely have suc- 
ceeded in finding so eligible a husband 
for my daughter as the Count Camerata ; 
and as for my service, 1 count it a 
privilege to have been able to pre- 
sent to my friends so desirable an 
addition as yourself and Mademoiselle 
de Montijo.” 

The Countess was a portly matron, 
but her elaborate toilette disclosed the 
fact that an early cultivated love of 
dress had not been wholly forgotten. 
Her face was still handsome, the iron- 
grey hair, dressed in Spanish fashion, 
giving dignity to the well-preserved 
features, and to the almost youthful 
colour which the cheeks still retained. 

[ 48 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

She acknowledged the Baron’s com- 
pliment with a captivating smile as she 
continued : 

“The dear Count and Countess, — 
they are quite well, I trust?” 

“ Quite well, and just returned to Lon- 
don to be with me for a few weeks.” 

“Then we shall see them soon, of 
course ? ” 

“ There is no doubt of that, my dear 
Countess,” replied the Baron. He moved 
uneasily in his chair, and seemed to 
avoid meeting the Countess’ glance. 
Twice or thrice he started to speak, but 
each time refrained. At length he braced 
himself for the ordeal, and addressed his 
companion with energy. “ 1 find myself 
in a most embarrassing position, my 
dear Countess,” he said, speaking rapidly. 
“ The truth of the matter is that the 

[ 49 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Count’s devotion to your daughter gives 
his wife no little uneasiness. She tells 
me that 1 owe their present visit to the 
Count’s desire to be near Mademoiselle 
de Montijo.” 

“ My dear Baron 1 I cannot believe 
what you tell me ! Your daughter and 
her husband have, perhaps, had some 
little misunderstanding, and he has said 
something of this kind merely to pique 
her. The Count was devoted to Eugenie 
before his marriage, it is true, but with 
an angel like your daughter for a wife 
his devotion is surely transferred.” 

“ 1 fear not, Countess ; but I hope it 
soon may be.” The Baron recovered 
his composure with the ice once broken. 
“ 1 called this afternoon particularly to 
talk with you about this unfortunate 
matter. 1 may be frank, may I not? 

[ 50 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

We have been of some service to each 
other in the past, and i trust this also 
may be true of the future. To come at 
once to the point, I am convinced that 
there will be no happiness in my house 
until your daughter is married. I think 
1 understand your ambition for her, and 
it is possible that I can serve you and 
myself at the same time.” 

The Countess hesitated a moment be- 
fore replying. 

“You are certainly very frank, Baron,” 
she said with a forced laugh ; “ but per- 
haps it is better so. 1 am indeed sorry 
to learn that my daughter is the cause of 
any unhappiness between the Count and 
Countess Camerata, but as she does not 
reciprocate his devotion, 1 do not see 
that she can in any way be held re- 
sponsible.” 

[si] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Not at all, my dear Countess. Do 
not misunderstand me, I beg of you. 
The conditions exist, with perhaps no 
one to be blamed for them. Naturally, 
I am solicitous for my daughter’s happi- 
ness, and when once Mademoiselle is 
married, the Count’s infatuation may 
disappear.” 

“ 1 fear even so good a reason as you 
advance, Baron, will fail to hasten my 
daughter in the selection of her hus- 
band,” replied the Countess dryly. 

“ Quite possibly, if presented to her 
as bluntly as I have explained the matter 
to you,” continued the Baron ; “ but of 
course I count upon your usual discre- 
tion. Let me be even more frank, my 
dear Countess. You are seeking for a 
grand alliance for your daughter. You 
failed to accomplish what you desired in 

[ 52 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Madrid, and you have come to London 
hoping for better success. Do I not 
state the situation correctly?” 

“ Your frankness is becoming some- 
what presumptuous, Baron,” exclaimed 
the Countess, with a show of displeasure. 

“ Be calm, be calm, my dear Count- 
ess,” replied the Baron, raising his hand 
with a reassuring gesture. “ We parents 
are naturally anxious to secure suitable 
partis for our daughters, and nothing is 
further from my intention than to sug- 
gest that anything dishonourable has 
been entertained; — indeed 1 must in- 
clude myself in the same category, since 
I placed myself in your debt at Madrid.” 

The Countess was mollified, and again 
settling back in her chair, carefully re- 
arranged the folds of her gown. 

“ How high do you aim for your 

[ 53 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

daughter, Countess?” asked the Baron, 
coming again to the point after a mo- 
ment’s pause. 

The Countess coughed nervously at 
the directness of the question. Then a 
smile broke over her countenance. 

“Higher than you did for yours, 
Baron.” The shot took effect, and the 
Countess was not slow to follow up her 
advantage. 

“ All is fair in love and war, they say,” 
she continued, still amused by the new 
turn in the conversation. 

“ I fail to appreciate the humour which 
you evidently see in your allusions,” re- 
marked the Baron stiffly. “Surely the 
son of the great Napoleon’s sister is of 
sufficiently high rank to marry the 
daughter of a Rothschild ? ” 

“ Quite high enough, my dear Baron ; 

[ 54 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

quite high enough. But if the rank had 
been sufficiently high for my ambition, 
you are surely too astute to suppose that 
1 should have been so helpful in arrang- 
ing to get him out of the way. No, no, 
Baron ; the glory of the house of Bona- 
parte has passed, and 1 must confess that 
I aspire to something higher for my 
daughter than to wed a descendant of 
departed greatness. Indeed, the intimacy 
between the Count Camerata and my 
daughter was becoming so serious that I 
was delighted to serve your wishes when 
you approached me.” 

“ Be not so sure, my dear Countess, 
that the glory of the house of Bonaparte 
has passed,” retorted the Baron, incensed, 
but with his anger well under control. 

“ With the head of the house impris- 
oned for life, there is little likelihood of 

[ 55 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

any restoration,” replied the Countess 
with equanimity. 

“ Then you have not heard that the 
Prince has escaped, and is at this moment 
in London ? ” 

“The Prince in London, Baron ! You 
are not serious ? ” 

“ Quite serious, my dear Countess. I 
met Lady Blessington this afternoon 
and she apprised me of the fact, and 
stated further that the Prince would 
attend her reception next Wednesday 
evening.” 

“ I am indeed astonished,” murmured 
the Countess. “ I can quite appreciate 
the importance of this affair to you.” 

“ The more so,” continued the Baron 
with satisfaction, “ since I learn from 
my correspondents in Paris that as the 
Orleans family becomes more and more 

[ 56 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

disliked, the Bonapartists are rapidly 
gaining ground. You and I, my dear 
Countess, will live to see Prince Louis 
Napoleon Emperor of France, and my 
daughter cousin to the Emperor.” 

“ In that case, my dear Baron, you can 
be of the utmost service to me, and I 
shall be glad to avail myself of your 
kind suggestion/’exclaimed the Countess 
eagerly. 

“You will excuse me, Countess,” re- 
plied the Baron, rising, “ but I am forced 
to conclude from what you have just told 
me that my obligation to you is fully 
repaid. Please express my regrets to 
Mademoiselle de Montijo that I have not 
had the pleasure of seeing her, and accept 
my best compliments and adieux.” 

The Baron bowed and left the draw- 
ing-room, while his hostess settled back 

[ 57 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

in her fauteuil, deep in thought. Sud- 
denly she rose and pulled the bell-cord. 

“ When Mademoiselle Eugenie returns, 
Therese, tell her to come to me at once.” 

“Mademoiselle returned a few mo- 
ments ago, my lady, and is now in her 
boudoir.” 

“ Tell her that I wish to see her.” 

The Countess arranged herself care- 
fully on a long divan, leaving room for 
her daughter to sit beside her. 

“ Ah ! there you are, little mother,” 
cried a sweet, penetrating voice, and a 
young girl burst into the room, and 
hastened to embrace the Countess. 
“ Therese said you wished to see me.” 

She was indeed a picture as she stood 
before the older woman, still clad in her 
riding costume, with the vivid colour 
which the brisk exercise had produced 

[ 58 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

showing in her attractive, winsome face. 
Her features were marked, though regular, 
strikingly reminiscent of the portraits one 
sees of Mary, Queen of Scots. The 
nose was arched and somewhat large, 
the mouth beautifully formed, showing 
the energy of character which dominated 
her personality, and her bewitching 
smile disclosed teeth which shone with 
brilliant whiteness. Her skin was fair, 
and her hair golden brown, inter- 
woven with priceless gems and drooping 
violets, which were almost torn from 
their point of vantage by the force of 
the breeze. The lids drooped heavily 
over her dark blue eyes, which seemed 
almost black in striking contrast to her 
hair and complexion, possessing that 
brilliancy peculiar to women of the Latin 
races. Her expression was open and 

[ 59 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

kindly, betraying powers of deep feeling, 
clear judgment, and a lively imagination, 
yet evidencing an overpowering love of 
mischief and adventure. 

Her mother looked at Eugenie with 
undisguised admiration, and affection- 
ately stroked the hand which she held 
in her own. 

“My beautiful daughter!” she cried 
approvingly ; “ there is no one to equal 
you in all Europe.” 

“Tut, tut, mamma! you will make me 
vain,” answered Eugenie, with a radiant 
smile. 

“But you like to hear it none the 
less, ma cberie, whether spoken by your 
latest conquest, or by your foolish old 
mother.” 

“You are proud of me, aren’t you, 
tnadre tnia ?” cried Eugenie, throwing 
[ 60 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

her arms impulsively around the elder 
woman’s neck, and embracing her. 
“ But tell me, why did you send for me ? 
Of what mischief has your madcap 
daughter been guilty that you must 
summon her for maternal discipline ? ” 
Eugenie assumed an air of injured 
innocence, and awaited her mother’s 
reply. 

“ Where have you been this after- 
noon ? ” 

“ Riding in the Park with ‘ Vixen ’ ; 
and such a ride I ” cried Eugenie,, her 
eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “ 1 was 
on Rotten Row, by the Serpentine, when 
two other riders came up behind me — ” 
“ Who were they, daughter? ” 

“ Lord Eglinton and another gentle- 
man, whom 1 do not know. They came 
up behind me, and I heard Lord Eglinton 
[61 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

say, ‘ There ’s the Spanish mademoiselle 
on her Andalusian. Let ’s show her 
what an English horse can do.’ I pre- 
tended not to overhear, but as soon as 
they were abreast 1 gave ‘ Vixen ’ her 
head, and oh ! such a time ! They were 
ahead at first, for ‘ Vixen ’ did n’t seem 
to understand that it was a race ; but in 
a moment she came to herself. Mon 
Dieu ! how she ran ! We went nearly 
the whole length, and I should have been 
riding yet had not the gentlemen given 
it up in despair, they were so far behind, 
and kept on towards Kensington. — But 
surely you didn’t call me to ask about 
my ride ? ” 

“I have an important matter to talk 
over with you, my child,” answered the 
Countess, straightening up, and folding 
her hands in her lap. “ You know how 
[ 62 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

disappointed I have been that our season 
here in London has not found for you a 
suitable alliance.” 

“Poor little mother!” interrupted 
Eugenie, with another embrace. “You 
have come all the way from la belle 
Espagne with a pretty daughter to offer 
in the matrimonial market, and can find 
no customer ! ” 

“ This is not a subject for jest, my 
daughter,” replied the Countess severely. 
“ 1 have been patient with you during 
these years when you should have settled 
down as your sister did — ” 

“Speak not of ‘Paca’s’ marriage, 
cberie, or you will break my heart,” in- 
terrupted Eugenie, the colour fading 
from her face. 

“ There is no reason why 1 should not 
speak of it, my child,” continued the 

[ 63 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Countess. “ Fransiska realised her op- 
portunity, and embraced it. You, on 
the contrary, seem content to attract men 
to you, the best names in all England, 
just as you had the flower of Spain at 
your feet in Madrid, simply that you 
may amuse them and be amused. It is 
time that you had a husband, Eugenie. 
You cannot play at love all your life. 
My one ambition is to see you in 
as proud a position as your sister now 
occupies, and you do nothing to enable 
me to realise it. Will you not change 
your conduct long enough to grant me 
my desire, and then become a hoyden 
again if you choose, — if your husband 
will permit?” 

The Countess struggled nobly to re- 
strain herself. Eugenie threw herself at 
her feet and clasped her knees. 

[ 64 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“Oh, ma mere!" she cried, “be not 
angry with me! I have told you over 
and over again that I cannot marry a man 
1 do not love. 1 am wild and hoydenish, 
as you say, and silly and all that, but 1 
am a woman, none the less, and 1 have a 
heart, even if so few people believe it.’’ 

Euge'nie buried her head in her 
mother’s lap, and when she looked up 
her eyes were bright with half-shed 
tears. But the Countess was not ap- 
peased. 

“ Do you not understand, will you not 
understand,’’ Eugenie continued impul- 
sively, “that I would far rather go 
through life unwed than lose my liberty 
without something other than position 
in exchange ? What do I care for titles ? 
Does not Spain’s purest and noblest 
blood flow through my veins, and is it 

[ 65 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

not enough to be descended from the 
Porto-Carrero ? Ah! mamerel 1 know 
only too well what love is, and even you 
do not dream how much I long to feel it 
again in my heart ; but if it never comes, 
you won’t be angry with me, will you ? 
You love me too much for that, don’t 
you, cberie?” 

“It cannot be that you still cherish 
your foolish infatuation for the Duke of 
Alba, my child,” exclaimed the Countess, 
turning her head away from the beseech- 
ing face looking up into her own. 
“ Why, you were but a silly child then, 
and you should have known that it was 
your sister whom the Duke admired.” 

“Yes, 1 should have known it,” an- 
swered Eugenie sadly; “but 1 did not, 
and 1 have suffered for it. I shall never 
forget the anguish which shot through 
[ 66 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

my heart when I heard him declare his 
love for Fransiska. 1 wanted to die right 
then, and end it all. Oh, what a man he 
was!” 

Eugenie rose and walked to the 
window. 

“ But he was no more attractive than 
any one of a dozen who have sought 
your hand, my daughter. Your love for 
him was but the exaggerated enthusiasm 
of a first attachment, and this endowed 
his character with every splendid quality. 
Surely you are not going to let this 
incident destroy all chance of your future 
happiness ? ” 

“ it may be all as you say, ma mere,” 
Eugenie replied quietly ; “ but at all 
events, I loved him, and I have never yet 
seen any other man 1 could love. I can- 
not change myself; it must remain for 

[ 67 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

that unknown knight who may some- 
time come to do that for me.” 

“ You have made it very hard for me 
to say to you what I want to say, my 
daughter.” 

“ What is it, mamma ? I will listen 
dutifully.” 

Eugenie returned to the divan, and 
seated herself beside her mother, waiting 
for her to continue. 

“ We are invited to Lady Blessington’s 
reception on Wednesday evening.” 

“ Was that hard to say, mamma ? ” 
Eugenie’s love of mischief soon mastered 
her serious mood. 

“You have not heard me out, my 
child,” the Countess replied severely. 
“ Prince Louis Napoleon, the pretender 
to the throne of France, has escaped 
from prison, and is to be there.” 

[ 68 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“Well?” 

“ You know, my child, how firmly 
your father believed that the house of 
Bonaparte would be restored, and I have 
recently learned that the Prince’s ambi- 
tions may soon be realised. Here is a 
man whose future position makes him 
worthy of my beautiful daughter, and 1 
wish you to understand how much im- 
portance I attach to this opportunity for 
you to meet him. I beg of you to make 
the most of it, for my sake, if for nothing 
else. You can easily interest him in you 
if you but make the effort.” 

Euge'nie threw back her head and 
burst into a peal of laughter, but 
quickly checked her mirth as she saw 
the clouds increasing upon her mother’s 
face. 

“ You dear, devoted, ambitious, foolish 

[ 69 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

little mother,” she cried. “ Surely you 
jest I Euge'nie as an empress, even 
granting that she had the chance ! And 
you want me to make love to this pre- 
tender just for his position, whether I 
love him or not?” 

She rose to her feet, and took both 
her mother’s hands in hers. “ Well, 
ma mere’' she said, “ 1 will make a bar- 
gain with you. If you will promise not 
to insist on my marrying every title 
which is thrown at me, I will promise to 
accept any real, live emperor who may 
offer to share his throne with me, just 
for the pleasure of seeing how grand 
you would look as the mother of an 
empress! But Prince Louis Napoleon 
must wait until he has his throne safely 
secured, for it would be such a mortifi- 
cation — would it not ? — to find that the 

[ 70 ] 



/ 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 


sacrifice had been made for nothing ! 
Come now, is it agreed ? ” 

“You could not be serious even if you 
tried, Euge'nie,” replied the Countess. 
“ How can I hope for any success in my 
plans for your future when you make 
sport of every suggestion ? ” 

“ Give me up in despair, mamma,” 
cried Eugenie, again throwing her arms 
about her mother. “ But truly, I will be 
as agreeable as possible to this Prince of 
yours, and if he asks me to marry him, I 
will do so — if 1 love him, or if he has 
become Emperor. The first for my sake, 
cberie, and the last for yours ! Come, 
now, let us dress for dinner. My new 
gown has just arrived, and I am simnlv 




dying to put it on I ” 



1 


[ 71 ] 



> 








erxrrxxx xnixrxxxxxixm 



CHAPTER THREE 








LXlITiriIlTlirTTTTTTTrYTTT;TTT 


JVflLD Wilberforce , by all beloved, 
1 Once owned the hallowed spot, 
Whose jealous eloquence improved 
The fettered negro's lot. 


Yet here still slavery attacks 
Whom Blessington invites ; 

The chains from which he freed the Blacks 
She rivets on the Whites. 


JAMES SMITH. 


CHAPTER THREE 

N EITHER SIDE OF THE 

O great gates which guarded 
the entrance to Gore 
House, and extending back 
along the high walls, an 
eager throng of men and 
women were gathered, watching with 
curious fascination the long line of 
carriages conveying the guests to Lady 
Blessington’s reception, as they turned 
from Kensington Gore into the spacious 
[75] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

courtyard which approached the house 
itself. The stately mansion had gained 
a reputation for the quality of its guests 
in the days of Wilberforce; but during 
the twenty years in which Lady Bles- 
sington had gracefully presided as mis- 
tress of its functions, it was accepted as 
the unquestioned literary as well as the 
social centre of London. 

Lying back from the road, Gore House 
presented an imposing appearance ; and 
once within its walls, the impression 
deepened. The rooms were large and 
lofty ; the hall wide and stately ; and the 
library, the favourite room of its owner, 
extended the full length of the house 
from north to south, its southern 
window-doors opening out upon beauti- 
ful gardens, with wide terraces, great 
flower-pots, extensive lawns, and fine old 

[ 76 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

trees. Its walls were lined with books, 
the edges of their shelves enamelled in 
ivory white, while mirrors filled the small 
interstices, and were also fitted into the 
panels of the doors. At either end 
were fireplaces of beautifully chiselled 
white marble, and in the centre delicate 
columns supported an arch. The curtains 
were of silk damask of a soft, apple- 
green shade, and the same material, set 
in white and gold, was to be seen in the 
chairs and lounges. 

It was in this room that the hostess 
chose to receive her guests. Time had 
been kind to “ the gorgeous Lady Bles- 
sington.” Her former beauty of person, 
her grace of manner, the magnetic in- 
fluence of her eyes, her charm of intellect 
— all were mellowed by the passing of 
the years, and heightened by the power 
177 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

of experience. Her dress was always 
conspicuous, but always in good taste, 
and served well to set off the attractions 
and soften the exuberance of a figure 
whose only defect was the embonpoint, 
the effect of which, however, Lady Bles- 
sington knew well how to mitigate. 

“ Ah, Prince ! ” exclaimed the hostess 
cordially, as Louis Napoleon presented 
himself, “ 1 am indeed glad to welcome 
you again at Gore House. D’Orsay 
told me of your unceremonious call last 
week, and 1 trust that you have heard 
from him how joyfully we received the 
news of your escape.” 

“ 1 have indeed, and I thank you most 
heartily,” replied the Prince with feeling. 
“ In all my wanderings, madame, London 
has always seemed the most like home, 
and largely so because of the hospitality 

[ 78 ] 



The Prince gravely raised the 
hand to his lips * 















% 
























THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

ever extended to my mother and myself 
beneath your roof.” 

“ Ah, Prince ! you call up many mem- 
ories which belong to moments of re- 
flection rather than to evenings such as 
these,” replied Lady Blessington quietly. 
“ The dear Hortense, — see this ring she 
gave me long ago, when we were together 
in Rome. Every sapphire, every diamond 
in it is a token of our affection for each 
other.” 

The Prince regarded the ring for a 
moment, and then gravely raised the 
hand which wore it to his lips. 

“ I know it well, dear madame,” re- 
plied Louis thoughtfully. “ How much 
has happened since then, — and yet the 
one thing she believed would occur is still 
unfulfilled 1 But the six years which have 
passed by since I last spent an evening at 
[81 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Gore House seem to have effected little 
change here. As 1 look about me 1 see 
the same brilliant assemblage, — cabinet 
ministers, literati, poets, painters, and 
all, — just as before 1” 

“Yes, — but six years older both in 
years and in experience, my dear Prince,” 
replied Lady Blessington, smiling; 
“ and in addition to these, a new genera- 
tion of debutantes, who six years ago 
were in their pinafores 1 There is 
Mademoiselle de Montijo over there by 
the fireplace, — she was then in Spain, 
playing with her dolls 1” 

The Prince turned in the direction 
indicated by his hostess with much 
interest. 

“I shall hope to be presented to 
Mademoiselle de Montijo during the 
evening,” he remarked. “ D’Orsay tells 
[ 82 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

me she is quite the sensation of the 
season.” 

“You shall have the opportunity 
shortly, my dear Prince,” replied Lady 
Blessington, “but first 1 wish you and 
Disraeli to know one another.” 

“ 1 count it an honour to be presented 
to one who is playing so prominent a 
part in English politics,” said the Prince, 
turning to the new-comer. 

“ If good fortune attends you, Prince, 
the honour will be on my side, since 
your part in French politics will then so 
far outweigh whatever services I may 
render. 1 am complimented, however, 
that you should express your interest in 
our own political affairs.” 

“ 1 am deeply interested in them, sir,” 
replied the Prince sincerely. “ I have 
always enjoyed studying the English 

[ 83 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

people, particularly the lower middle 
classes, — the shopkeepers and the ar- 
tisans. They are so different from the 
French.” 

“ In their temperament, you mean ? ” 

“Yes; and in their general point of 
view. A violent revolution could never 
occur here in England, sir, although with 
your institutions, you are, so to speak, in 
a state of continuous revolutionary prog- 
ress. Everything moves here in old 
and well-worn grooves. The London 
shopkeeper of to-day follows the same 
business, at the same stand, which his 
father and his grandfather followed be- 
fore him.” 

“ Our people lack initiative, you 
think? ” 

“ Not that ; rather let us say that they 
have the good sense to appreciate the 

[ 84 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

difficulty of making a livelihood amongst 
so dense a population should they once 
get off the track.” 

“ But is this not also true upon the 
Continent, or at least in France ? ” 

“ By no means to the same extent. 
Your artisan, in a word, knows that in a 
general scramble he has more chance 
of losing than of gaining. You will 
admit, sir, that there is at this moment 
no little discontent among this class of 
your people, yet there is nothing to fear, 
since in addition to their loyalty they 
consider it as their own self-interest to 
stand by the Government.” 

“I realise all this, but is not the 
Frenchman equally loyal at heart?” 

“ At heart, yes ; by impulse, no. Each 
Frenchman is a man of unlimited ambi- 
tion, and he is emotional and impulsive. 

185 ) 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

His great mistake is that he always ex- 
pects to better himself by a change; 
consequently he is always ready for one. 
He cannot be governed as your people 
can. His God of to-day is his demon of 
to-morrow 1 ” 

“Your presentation of the case inter- 
ests me. Prince,” said Disraeli. “ Then 
you are relying upon this temperament 
of the people to place you upon your 
uncle’s throne?” 

“ Absolutely,” replied the Prince. 
“ Were I dependent upon the English for 
my future, I should long since have 
abandoned my aspirations. In France, 
my hour may come at any moment.” 

“ I admire your constancy of purpose, 
Prince,” said Disraeli, his attitude chang- 
ing from one of curiosity and indulg- 
ence to that of sincere interest, “ for 
[ 86 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

that is ever the secret of success. Every- 
thing comes if a man will only wait. 
Patience is a necessary ingredient of 
genius. I tell you, Prince, that man is 
not the creature of circumstances. Cir- 
cumstances are the creatures of men.” 

“ I must take the Prince away from 
you now,” interrupted Lady Blessington, 
“ for I have promised to present him to 
Mademoiselle de Montijo, and here comes 
my radiant step-son, who will ask no 
more agreeable duty.” 

D’Orsay was easily distinguishable as 
he approached. Above all things he de- 
lighted in emphasising his noble air and 
impressive figure by a peculiarity of dress 
which in a man of less remarkable ap- 
pearance might have been considered 
foppery or affectation. But though oc- 
cupying the unenviable position of a 

[ 87 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

leader of fashion, his talents prevented 
him from being despised by his intellec- 
tual friends. 

“ Good-evening, Prince,” exclaimed 
D’Orsay as he perceived his friend, “1 
had begun to fear that you had found it 
impossible to join us to-night.” 

“ Nothing but barred doors could have 
kept me out,” responded the Prince. 

“ But what has occasioned your long 
absence from your post of duty?” 
asked Lady Blessington of D’Orsay. 

“ Our good friend Landor has again 
seen fit to banter me upon what he calls 
the gorgeousness of my apparel,” replied 
the Count with assumed injury in his 
tone. “1 complimented him upon his 
unusually fine appearance, and he turned 
to his companion and said, ‘ If the Count 
d’Orsay had seen me in this new coat, 
[ 88 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

he would not have invited me so press- 
ingly to come to London. It will brew 
ill-blood between us, — half plague, half 
cholera.’ ” 

“ It serves you quite right for starting 
the pestering, my dear D’Orsay,” retorted 
Lady Blessington. “But come, the 
Prince wishes to meet Mademoiselle de 
Montijo, and I have promised that you 
will present him.” 

“What! after the warning Douglass 
gave you the other evening? Let me 
add my advice to his. She is, as you 
see, as beautiful as the day, as irresistible 
as a waterfall, and as accomplished a 
coquette as even you in your mad career 
have chanced to hit upon. Watch her 
play that poor infatuated cousin of yours. 
Count Camerata. He follows her from 
place to place, with his English wife 

[ 89 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

tagging at his coat-tails, while the fair 
Euge'nie makes a fool of him, — as she 
does of us all.” 

“ Is that my cousin, D’Orsay ? ” asked 
the Prince, regarding the man at Made- 
moiselle de Montijo’s side with some 
interest. “ I scarce would have recog- 
nised him, so many years have passed. 
He married Rothschild’s daughter, did he 
not ? ” 

“ He married Rothschild’s bank ac- 
count, my dear Louis,” replied D’Orsay, 
“and the daughter went with it. But 
he is madly in love with the Spanish 
lady. He forms another argument in my 
vain entreaties. If I present you, he will 
become your deadly enemy, and likely 
enough will call you out to cross swords 
with him.” 

“ You must find some better argument 

[ 90 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

than that, D’Orsay,” laughed the Prince, 
“ or I shall begin to think that you have 
reasons of your own for wishing to pre- 
vent another rival from entering the 
field.” 

“My proverbial indifference to the 
ladies will absolve me from that accusa- 
tion,” retorted D’Orsay, shrugging his 
shoulders. “ But I have a last appeal to 
make, and then, if you insist, I will place 
you beneath the spell of the enchantress. 
You have made certain statements re- 
garding your plans for future residence 
in Paris. As an off-hand proposition, 1 
should say your chances of making good 
were about one in a hundred, but 1 have 
seen some long shots go through in my 
day, and I am sufficiently prudent not to 
wish to throw away the opportunity of 
becoming a foreign ambassador in case 

[ 91 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

your forlorn hope pulls off. There ! you 
have the truth. Will you now, in the 
face of such disinterested friendship, be 
presented to the fair mademoiselle and 
lose your head at once, or will you pre- 
serve that very useful member for the 
crown which you will never get?” 

“Such disinterested friendship and 
such confidence surely deserve reward, 
my dear D’Orsay,” replied the Prince, 
amused by the Count’s half-serious 
argument ; “ but to-night 1 feel ungrate- 
ful. With your warnings, however, 1 
shall endeavour to be unusually discreet. 
Place me beneath the spell of this divine 
sorceress, and 1 will learn for myself 
whether or not a real eclipse has passed 
over your blase London society.” 

With a gesture of resignation D’Orsay 
led the way to the little group of guests 

[ 92 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

who stood together near the fireplace 
at the further end of the library. As 
they approached, Mademoiselle de 
Montijo turned from Count Camerata 
to D’Orsay and the Prince with a smile 
which accentuated her loveliness. 

“You have arrived at an opportune 
moment,” she cried laughingly. “ You 
shall be the referee to settle our dispute.” 

“ You could not have come to a higher 
tribunal for judicial advice, mademoi- 
selle,” said D’Orsay gravely. 

“ We are trying to determine who is 
the most celebrated guest of the evening,” 
continued Mademoiselle de Montijo 
eagerly. “The Count insists that it is 
Lord Lytton, and I am sure that it is 
Charles Dickens.” 

“ You are both wrong, my dear 
mademoiselle,” answered D’Orsay, with 

[ 93 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

a profound bow. “ I have the honour to 
present to you our most celebrated guest, 
— Prince Louis Napoleon, the future 
Emperor of France!” 

“ Oh I ” cried Euge'nie, curtseying to 
the Prince, “ how stupid of us both ! I 
am indeed honoured to meet the future 
Emperor of France.” 

“ 1 trust, mademoiselle, that you know 
Count d’Orsay well enough not to allow 
his figures of speech to prejudice my 
introduction,” said the Prince quietly. 
“ If not, my cousin will assure you that 
my pretensions to so high an honour do 
credit only to the strength of my im- 
agination.” 

Count Camerata bowed stiffly, but 
ventured no reply. 

“ However figuratively Count d’Orsay 
may speak,” said Euge'nie, “ 1 count it a 

[ 94 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

pleasure to meet Prince Louis Napoleon, 
and to add my congratulations upon his 
happy escape.” 

“ 1 thank you, mademoiselle.” 

‘‘The music is just starting up for 
the minuet, Eugenie,” interrupted Count 
Camerata. 

“ Then 1 must yield to the demands of 
Terpsichore,” said Mademoiselle de 
Montijo smiling. 

“May I not claim a few moments 
when the dance is over, mademoiselle ? ” 
asked Louis eagerly. 

“ With pleasure, Prince.” 

Louis stood for a moment watching 
the retreating figure, and then turned to 
D’Orsay. 

“Well?” asked the Count inter- 
rogatively. 

“She is certainly a vision of loveli- 

[ 95 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

ness,” answered the Prince seriously. 
“I can quite understand the sensation 
she has created, — after your sedate 
English beauties. What eyes, what hair, 
what vivacity 1 1 never so disliked a 
minuet before, and that precious cousin 
of mine delights to make himself dis- 
agreeable, as usual.” 

“Those are the symptoms, my dear 
Prince,” cried D’Orsay, with satisfaction. 
“ We are all familiar with them. First, 
captivation ; then, adoration ; then, con- 
templation ; then, declaration ; then, mor- 
tification ; then, mystification. You have 
five more stages to pass through, and 
after that you may go back to your 
dreams of France 1 ” 

“ Peace, peace, with your melancholy 
predictions ! Let me enjoy the present 
without frying to draw a picture of the 

[ 96 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

awful future,” cried Louis. “ Find me 
a place where I may smoke a cigarette 
and pray the Fates to shorten that 
minuet.” 

“ Why, Prince, 1 believe you are really 
becoming enthusiastic ! 1 have never 

before seen your mask of imperturb- 
ability withdrawn. 1 must yield before 
your imperial mandates, and I lead you 
to the smoking-room, where you may 
form smoke pictures of royalty or of 
divinity as you choose.” 

The two men quietly withdrew, while 
the library was temporarily transformed 
into a ball-room. The older guests 
seated themselves around the sides of 
the room, while the younger formed 
for the minuet. Just before the signal for 
the start was given, Count Camerata 
bent low to whisper to his partner. 

[ 97 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ I beg of you, Euge'nie, have nothing 
to do with that impostor. He is scarcely 
more than an adventurer, and 1 wonder 
that Lady Blessington tolerates him.” 

“ His family, then, is not as good as 
yours ? ” asked Eugenie archly. 

“ Of course his family is the same ; 
but his habits and his preposterous claims 
are enough to warrant my request.” 

“ Has he any habits worse than those 
of a married gentleman who makes love 
to unmarried ladies, and would you 
think his claims so preposterous if you 
happened to be the present head of the 
family ? ” 

The Count bit his lip and scowled 
savagely as the music again sounded. 
Eugenie saluted him with her sweetest 
smile, as she changed partners, and was 
momentarily separated from him. 

[ 98 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

In the smoking-room D’Orsay found 
the Prince in an unexpected mood. He 
lit his cigarette and seated himself 
meditatively. D’Orsay regarded his 
friend intently before breaking the 
silence : 

“ Your cousin did not seem particu- 
larly overjoyed to see you again, Prince. 
Egad 1 he glared at you as if you were 
the plague.” 

“ I have the misfortune to be the head 
of his house. He only shares the uniform 
antagonism of the family.” 

“ Is that all ? ” D’Orsay spoke as if 
considerably relieved. “ You can easily 
remedy that when you become Emperor.” 

“Yes, — when I dol” replied the 
Prince, with bitterness in his voice. 
“ Until then he has no cause to envy me. 
My life thus far has not been such as to 

[ 99 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

excite any such sentiment. What have 
I been but an adventurer, — an exile 
from my country, and a fugitive ? ” 
D’Orsay had never before seen the 
Prince give way to his emotions, and it 
moved him strangely. He placed his 
hand feelingly upon Louis’ shoulder as 
he replied : 

“It is sweet to enjoy the pleasures of 
one’s country, it is true, dear friend, but 
is it not even more glorious to suffer ? ” 
“ Yes, — if the suffering and the sacri- 
fice be a means to an end,” assented the 
Prince. “The historical part which 1 
have always thought the most despicable 
is that of Cromwell’s son, deserting the 
cause of his father to assist unobserved 
at the coronation of the Stuarts.” 

After a moment’s silence he sprang 
impatiently to his feet. 

[ 100 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 


“ Will the dance never end ? ” he cried ; 
“it must have lasted for. half an hour 
already.” 

“Scarcely as long as that,” replied 
D’Orsay, returning to his previous mood ; 
“but your patience will not be heavily 
taxed, for the music is just ceasing. 
Come, Prince, I am as impatient as you 
to have the ecstasy period set in, so that 
our rather large company of mourners 
may begin to prepare for the reception 
of a fellow-sufferer.” 

Louis did not require D’Orsay’s assist- 
ance this time to find Mademoiselle de 
Montijo. 

“You are on the minute, Prince,” said 
Eugenie, as Louis approached. “ Prompt- 
ness is a becoming virtue for a future 
monarch to show his people.” 

“ Have you already joined the army of 
[ 101 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

scoffers, mademoiselle?” asked the 
Prince, with assumed seriousness. 

“ Scoffers ! 1 did not suppose a single 
one existed, other than your incredulous 
friend, Count d’Orsay, who believes in 
nothing.” 

“There are so many, mademoiselle, 
that I should regret to have you join the 
ranks against me. But since this is my 
first opportunity to converse with you, 
owing to my enforced absence, may I 
not suggest the garden in place of this 
rather overcrowded library?” 

“ As you please, monsieur.” 

“ You see I have so much lost time to 
regain, mademoiselle,” continued Louis. 
“My friends have been enjoying your 
companionship while I have confined my 
attention to very limited surroundings. 
You will forgive me, will you not ?” 

[ 102 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“There need be no question of 
forgiveness, Prince,” replied made- 
moiselle. “ The name of Louis Napo- 
leon is too familiar not to make it a 
pleasure to become acquainted with its 
owner.” 

“ Ah ! this is much better, is it not ? ” 
asked the Prince, as they found them- 
selves in the more fragrant air of the 
moon-lit garden. “There could be no 
more charming spot for a first conversa- 
tion than here where the buds are burst- 
ing into bloom I ” 

“You are a poet, Prince. I shall 
expect nothing less than a sonnet after 
that speech.” 

“ I did not intend so soon to give you 
an opportunity to make sport of me, 
mademoiselle,” answered the Prince, 
pausing before a bed of violets. “ Will 

[ 103 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

you still laugh at me when 1 tell you 
that 1 am always deeply affected by these 
little flowers before us? The violet, 
which 1 am told you always wear, has 
been associated with some of the happiest 
and some of the most tragic events in 
the history of my family. Why do you 
always give it preference ? ” 

“ It is my favourite flower, monsieur. 
But tell me more about the association. 
I am interested.” 

“ It started with the head of my house, 
mademoiselle,” began the Prince simply. 
“ Napoleon believed that the violet was 
his talisman, and his followers have 
always cherished it for his sake. After 
his banishment to Elba the little flower 
became a recognised emblem, — a token 
that he would return to France. This 
was one of the happy events. He did 

[ 104 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

return, and as he passed through one 
city after another, on his way from the 
coast to the Tuileries, ladies assembled 
to greet him wearing violet-coloured 
gowns, and carrying huge bunches of the 
flowers which they threw beneath his 
feet as he passed by. Then, when my 
cousin, the Due de Reichstadt, died, his 
bier was heaped high with the blossoms 
we had hoped he might one day wear 
upon the throne of France. We still 
believe in the efficacy of our talisman, 
mademoiselle, it is our flower of destiny ; 
though I know not whether it portends 
sorrow or happiness for me. — But tell 
me what the flower means to you, made- 
moiselle. Surely you have some reason 
for preferring it ? ” 

“ A woman’s likes and dislikes can 
rarely bear investigation, monsieur,” 

[» 05 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

replied Mademoiselle de Montijo, throw- 
ing off the effect of the Prince’s recital. 
“ I love the flower, perhaps for no other 
reason than the pretty legend which 
surrounds it.” 

“ What legend, mademoiselle ? ” 

“ Surely you have not forgotten your 
mythology, Prince 1 ” 

“I must plead ignorance, made- 
moiselle.” 

“ Why, the pretty little story of Io, 
the mortal with whom Jupiter fell in 
love, who was changed into a heifer by 
the jealous Juno. You must have heard 
the tale. Jupiter so pitied the unfortu- 
nate creature that he created the violet 
that she might eat its petals.” 

“ A pretty conceit, mademoiselle. I 
shall write it out and preserve it in our 
family archives. But think how much 
[ 106 ] 




n rn tnirn x nTrmi ii xim a 




















C=> 










■ 


- 
















■ 










T / Tr r rra j.xixxnxm 


[Mademoiselle de [Montijo 






















\ 







THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

more the little flower has been honoured 
since then 1 ” 

“ As the emblem of your house, mon- 
sieur.” 

“As the object of your devotion, 
mademoiselle,” the Prince corrected. 

“ Come, we must return to the library,” 
cried Eugenie ; “ it is growing damp out 
here, and we shall be missed.” 

“ But before we return will you not 
give me the flowers you are wearing 
as a souvenir of our first meeting ? ” 

“ And disarrange my toilette, monsieur, 
with the evening just begun ? ” 

“ But you have no need of flowers. 
Your toilette is quite complete without 
them, mademoiselle.” 

“ Fie on you, Prince, to try to rob me 
of my only decoration, when you will 
have bushels of them thrown at you as 

[ 109 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

you march to Paris ! But come, there is 
D’Orsay now. We must return.” 

Mademoiselle de Montijo did not wait 
for her cavalier, but hastened toward 
the door which opened out from the 
library. 

“You are unkind, mademoiselle,” 
cried Louis, as he followed his com- 
panion. 

“ You are ungenerous, Prince,” retorted 
the girl. At the door she turned archly : 
“ Do you still persist ? ” 

“ 1 still persist.” 

“ Then you shall have them,” she 
cried, quickly taking the violets from 
her hair, and tossing them to the Prince. 
“ It would be unfair to refuse you these 
after all those the ladies threw at 
Napoleon’s feet 1 ” 

[ 110 ] 



gixtxxrrrtrmrrz 



CHAPTER FOUR 




UT onlie Violet te sbal twine 
Thine ebonne tresses, Ladye mine. 

GONZAGA. 



CHAPTER FOUR 

0 YOU LOVE HIM, OR 

D are you playing with him, 
as with all the others, — 
and with me?” asked 
Count Camerata of the 
girl beside him, viciously 
striking his riding-boot with his 
whip. 

“ Do I love him ? What a question ! ” 
Eugenie laughed merrily. “ Of course I 
love him, — and all the others, too ! ” 

[ 113 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ All except me I ” retorted the Count 
petulantly. 

“ No, 1 think I may include you too, 
— but I forget, — you are married, are 
you not? Married men may love, but 
not be loved. Is that not so, Count? 
But why are you not satisfied? The 
poet says, 

‘ They who inspire love most are fortunate, 

But those who feel it most are happier still ! ’ ” 

Eugenie laughed exasperatingly as her 
companion struck savagely at a protrud- 
ing branch of the elm tree which shaded 
them. 

“ There I you have broken your whip I 
Surely the Promenade deserves kinder 
treatment after the many pleasures it has 
given us beneath its shady branches. 
You silly boy, to spoil so charming a 
morning by such a show of temper!” 

[ ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Mon Dieu, Eugenie I No man in the 
world could keep his temper under such 
provocation.” 

“ Indeed ! How have I treated you 
differently from my other friends ? ” 

“ That is exactly why 1 complain,” 
retorted the Count sullenly. “ Here we 
are at Baden, just as we were at Madrid 
a year ago, except that your body-guard 
of admirers is now English instead of 
Spanish. I have followed you from one 
country to another, from spot to spot, 
and now 1 find myself farther from you 
than ever. 1 never come upon you un- 
expectedly without finding some new 
gallant pouring out protestations of love 
to you, and you listening always, appar- 
ently, with the same satisfaction.” 

“ You give me credit, then, for sharing 
my affections with impartiality! But 

[ 115 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

has it occurred to you, my dear Count, 
that you yourself have placed the distance 
between us?” 

“ Pouf 1 what is marriage when a man 
loves as I love, Eugenie ? And I am not 
so sure of the impartiality. That aggra- 
vating cousin of mine, who assumes 
all the prerogatives of the family, seems 
to have made a deep impression upon 
your usually unsympathetic heart. You 
are eager to have him near you, and your 
attitude toward him is quite different 
from that manifested toward the rest of 
us. I know you better than you think, 
Eugenie, — I believe that at last you are 
becoming interested.” 

“Prince Louis Napoleon is a gallant 
gentleman, and I respect him,” Eugenie 
answered defiantly. 

“ Which is more than you can say of 
[ 116 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

me, no doubt. But is that all ? Can 
you say that you do not love him ? ” 

“ That may or may not be, Count,” 
replied Eugenie with decision, “ but one 
thing is certain. If we are to remain 
friends, you must place some limit upon 
your declarations. It is unkind of you 
to mar the pleasure of such a ride as we 
have had by talking of so silly a thing 
as love. Come, take me to the Trink- 
halle, that we may hear the latest scandal 
served up in its most appetising form.” 

“ You will drive me mad yet, Eugenie, 
with your indifference,” exclaimed the 
Count, as the girl rose to place her sug- 
gestion into execution. “ I am tempted 
to put a bullet in my brain, and make an 
end of it.” 

“ Don’t do it, Count,” cried Eugenie 
quickly, placing her hand for a moment 

[ 117 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

upon his arm ; “ black is so frightfully 
unbecoming to me that 1 would not wear 
it even for you 1 ” 

London houses of quality were for- 
saken. As if by a common impulse, one 
family after another had left the town, 
and gathered at the summer’s rendezvous. 
Spa had seen its day, and fickle fashion 
had set its stamp of approval upon the 
little town of Baden-Baden. From a 
quiet, simple village, it had become a 
great watering-place, where, under pre- 
text of obeying the dictates of the god- 
dess Hygeia, tired, worn-out London 
society drank the magic waters, and 
discussed the latest scandal. The Neue 
Schloss, with its handsome apartments 
and curious subterranean vaults; the 
charming pleasure grounds, extending 
[ 118 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

along the bank of the Oos; the Con- 
versationshaus, gorgeously fitted up, and 
particularly enticing during the hours of 
the gaming-tables ; and the Trinkhalle, 
with its great colonnade of Corinthian 
columns, — all combined to form an irre- 
sistible magnet to the fashionable world. 

The Londoner of quality might regard 
with alarm the accumulated obligations 
of the season just at an end, but he dared 
not attempt to recoup by giving up his 
summer at Baden. Thus the little Ger- 
man town had quite lost its nationality. 
Many countries were represented there, 
but the English were supreme. A minia- 
ture London, it seemed, which gathered 
each afternoon and evening at the gam- 
ing-tables of the Conversationshaus, or 
beneath the shady elms of the Promenade. 

The older devotees of the waters sat in 

[H9] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

the Trinkhalle, tearing into shreds the 
reputation of every person not sitting in 
their particular vicinity. Whatever other 
potentiality the waters possessed, they 
certainly encouraged conversation. On 
this particular morning D’Orsay had 
joined the self-sentenced invalids, owing 
to a touch of gout which affected his 
temper even though his dress remained 
unruffled. He appeared in all the glory 
of a white coat, buff trousers, blue satin 
cravat, primrose gloves, scented with 
eau de jasmin, and patent-leather boots, 
whose lustre was second only to the sun. 
His hat, always shaped to the cut of his 
coat, was of smaller dimensions than 
when in town, since this latter garment 
was thin, as suited the temperature of 
the season. Prince Louis Napoleon, al- 
though not requiring the use of the 
[ 120 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

waters, sat beside his friend, discussing 
with him affairs in general and their 
immediate neighbours in particular. 

“ You have quite put the rest of us to 
shame, my dear Louis,” observed 
D’Orsay, “ by failing to succumb to our 
Queen of Beauty, as we all were con- 
fident you would. Have you a heart of 
stone, man, or has Heaven given you 
some magic philter to preserve you 
unscathed for your glorious destiny?” 

“ I think I admire Mademoiselle de 
Montijo quite as much as any of you,” 
quietly replied the Prince. 

“ In which case you have been ex- 
tremely clever not to let her discover it. 
Egad, I believe you ’ve piqued her pride. 
’T is a new experience for her I ” 

“ I do not flatter myself that I have 
caused her any uneasiness. To be 
[ 121 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

perfectly frank, my dear D’Orsay, I 
should count it much to my credit were 
she to notice my apparent indifference, 
surrounded as she is by so many wor- 
shippers.” 

“ If you pass through the season with- 
out being drawn into a declaration, with 
the usual results, you will be the only 
eligible man here to accomplish the feat. 
But — ” 

“Silence, D’Orsay 1” commanded 
Louis, interrupting his friend as he saw 
Eugenie and her escort entering the 
room ; “ here comes Mademoiselle de 
Montijo now, and 1 prefer that your 
comments should not be overheard.” 

“ Ah ! ” ejaculated the Count, raising 
his monocle and turning in the direction 
indicated ; “ one has only to speak of 
angels — and her inconsolable Camerata 
[ 122 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

as well. Egad ! she must have thrown 
him harder than ever, judgingby his face.” 

The Prince rose as the new-comers 
approached, while D’Orsay apologised 
for his gout. 

“ What, gentlemen ! ” cried Euge'nie, 
“ would you stay in-doors this glorious 
morning, when all the beauties of Nature 
are waiting to welcome you outside ? ” 

“ Why should we exert ourselves, 
mademoiselle, when the beauties of 
Nature come to us?” said D’Orsay. 

“ Your affliction does not seem to 
affect your gallantry, Count,” replied 
Euge'nie gaily. 

“ You at least have improved your 
opportunity,” remarked the Prince. “ But 
what has happened to my dear cousin ? 
I ’ll wager you raced him home, and left 
him miles behind.” 

[* 23 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ No, Prince,” said Eugenie, glancing 
toward Camerata; “your cousin is in 
a very bad humour this morning, and will 
be glad to be relieved of his too lively 
companion. Might 1 ask you to take 
me to the hotel ? ” 

“Then Camerata must be his sub- 
stitute,” said D’Orsay. “ If I am left 
alone, 1 shall succumb to my malady.” 

“ If I rob you of one attendant, I must 
surely supply you with another,” laughed 
Euge'nie; “but I warn you that the 
Count is not the best of company this 
morning.” 

“ 1 am selfish to take you away from 
D’Orsay,” continued Eugenie to the 
Prince, as they passed out of the Trink- 
halle. 

“ On the contrary, 1 much appreciate 
the opportunity of having you quite to 

[ 124 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

myself, even for a few moments. I am 
not often so fortunate.” 

“ Perhaps it is your own fault, Prince,” 
said Eugenie archly. 

“ In that case,” replied the Prince 
quickly, quite ready to accept the chal- 
lenge, “might we not prolong this 
present opportunity by returning to the 
Promenade ? It is quite deserted at this 
hour.” 

“ You have indeed taken me at my 
word, Prince,” replied the girl, evidently 
not averse to the proposition. “ 1 must 
have an hour to dress for luncheon ; but 
perhaps there is yet time.” 

No further word was spoken as they 
walked up the terrace and beneath the 
boulevard of trees to the Promenade, — 
back almost to the very spot Eugenie 
had left but a few moments before. The 

[ 125 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Prince was calm and dignified, as always, 
but more serious, and Eugenie seemed 
less boisterous than was her wont. 

“Mademoiselle,” said the Prince, as 
his companion seated herself beneath 
one of the overspreading elms, “ I have to 
thank you for having taught me that 
there are gardens of Paradise outside of 
France. 1 had not believed that they 
existed, but you have made Baden such 
a spot for me. Your words just now 
have given me the courage to tell you 
so.” 

“ Baden is indeed a garden of Paradise, 
Prince,” replied Euge'nie, ignoring the 
compliment, “ but there are many other 
gardens — such as this — outside of 
France, — if one but seeks for them.” 

“ 1 would not have agreed to this 
before 1 met you, mademoiselle. All my 
[ 126 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

life outside of France has been a long 
protest, and I believed that no other 
country, however beautiful, could match 
that which I have always regarded as 
my heritage. I am still loyal to my old- 
time beliefs, but perhaps less prejudiced, 
since 1 now realise that these gardens of 
Paradise must exist elsewhere, all over the 
world, — wherever you may be 1 ” 

“ Monsieur 1 ” 

Eugenie sprang to her feet, unable 
longer to feign misunderstanding, but 
the Prince was too much in earnest to 
allow an interruption. 

“ Be not offended, mademoiselle. I 
am a Frenchman, yet, during all our 
meetings, have you ever heard me 
address to you an idle compliment ? ” 

“ Never until now, monsieur.” Euge'nie 
again seated herself, but the colour which 

[ 127 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

had suffused her cheeks at the Prince’s 
pointed words fled as suddenly as it had 
come. 

“ Not even now, mademoiselle,” pro- 
tested Louis gravely. “My friends — 
your friends — have told me that you are 
an enigma, that life means to you only 
the pleasure which can be extracted from 
it, that your heart is cold. Since 1 have 
known you 1 believe that I have learned 
how falsely they judge you- You are 
adventurous — ” 

“ 1 am of the same race as Don Quixote 
and the Cid, monsieur.” 

“ You are adventurous, but you are 
brave, mademoiselle; you are fond of 
pleasure, but you give of it quite as freely 
as you take ; you have built a barrier 
about your heart to withstand the many 

attacks made upon it, but behind that 
[ 128 ] 




“ 1 am of the same race as ‘D on 
Qiiixote and the Cid, monsieur ” 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

barrier, which some fortunate man will 
one day break down, it beats with a 
strength and devotion which only great 
natures possess. Am I not right, made- 
moiselle? Have I not interpreted the 
riddle which has baffled all the others ? ” 
“ Why do you feel so confident that 
you are right and the others wrong, 
monsieur? Even my mother tells me 
that 1 am a butterfly, flitting from pleas- 
ure to pleasure, from adventure to ad- 
venture, and never content to consider 
life as other than a passing spectacle. 
You must be wrong, monsieur, but I am 
curious to know what can have led you 
so far astray.” 

“ You yourself were my guide, made- 
moiselle,” answered Louis, proud in the 
certainty which the girl’s words gave 
him; “but it would be difficult to tell 

[ 131 ] 



<Tt 





you just when or where. All my life I 
have been forced to think alone, and to 
draw my own conclusions, and to abide, 
often quite by myself, in the strength of 
my convictions. For instance, if I may 
be personal for a moment, 1 believe with- 
out the shadow of a doubt that France 
will call me back to my own ; yet even 
my closest friends think of me as a 
dreamer, and have no faith in what I feel 
to be my destiny. No one shares this 
confidence with me, yet — ” 

“There is one other who shares it 
with you, monsieur,’’ said Eugenie in a 
low voice. 

“ Not you, mademoiselle ? ” 

“Yes,” she replied quietly. “1 have 
no earlier recollection than of being 
taught by my father that the Bonapartes 
would surely be restored to France.” 

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THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“Your father a Bonapartist? But he 
was a Spaniard, was he not ? ” 

“Yes; but an ardent supporter of 
Napoleon. He served under him, mon- 
sieur, and in 1814 fired the last shot 
against the allied troops.” 

“ This is indeed a coincidence, made- 
moiselle. It was stupid of me not to 
have associated the Count of Teba with 
your father.” 

“That is not strange, monsieur. My 
father died many years ago, after suc- 
ceeding to his brother’s title, but his 
confidence in your house never wavered. 
1 did not think so much of his prediction 
until I met you, but since then 1 have 
recalled it with added force.” 

“ Then the violets which you wore the 
first time I saw you, and which you 
wear to-day, are not accidental? You 

[ 133 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

acknowledged no more than that they 
were your favourite flowers.” 

“ So they are, monsieur ; but my love 
for them began when 1 first was old 
enough for my father to twine them in 
my hair. Before I was born, mamma has 
often told me, my father always had 
violets in the house, telling her over and 
over again that so long as the violet 
bloomed it was a proof that ‘ Papa la 
Violette’ would return in the Spring. 
Then when Napoleon died, and I was 
born upon the anniversary of the same 
day, 1 suppose my father connected the 
two events in his mind. On the day 
following my birth he came to my 
cradle with a bunch of violets, for which 
he had sent a shepherd to the heights of 
the Sierra Nevada, and as he strewed 
them over me, my mother heard him 

[ 134 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

say, with grief in his voice, ‘My 
daughter, you can never wear these for 
our great Napoleon ; his colossal labours 
are at an end. But let these blossoms, 
your birthflowers, be an emblem to you 
that the name still lives, and that his 
descendants will again sit upon the 
throne of France.’ ” 

“Another token I” exclaimed the 
Prince, more to himself than to his com- 
panion. 

“ You have loyally fulfilled your trust, 
mademoiselle,” continued the Prince, 
regaining his composure. “ I have met 
with many coincidences in my life, in 
all of which I have seen a promise of the 
final success of my ambition, but rarely 
one which has so profoundly moved me.” 

“ I have another reason — a silly one 
— for wearing them,” laughed Eugenie. 

[ 135 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“An old gypsy woman once told me 
that my happiness would bloom with 
the violets.” 

“A prophecy, mademoiselle, which 1 
trust may ever hold true.” 

The Prince was silent for an instant. 
There seemed to be a momentary hesita- 
tion, but then he spoke with a force and 
intensity which proved his earnestness : 

“You have been good enough to let 
me tell you of my hopes and my ambi- 
tions, mademoiselle ; will you not let me 
tell you even more?” 

“More, monsieur?” echoed Euge'nie, 
as the Prince drew nearer to her. He 
was speaking less rapidly now, but every 
word went straight to her heart. 

“ As my family believes in the destiny 
which is wrapped about that tiny flower, 
in the final success of our house, so do I 
[ 136 ] 




believe that my own future success and 
happiness depend upon this woman here 
beside me, who wears them. Euge'nie, 
my beloved, you have told me that you 
shared my dreams. Will you not also 
share their realisation ?” 

Eugenie drew back from the Prince’s 
proffered embrace, but allowed him to 
retain her hand, which he passionately 
pressed to his lips. The girl struggled 
with her emotions for a moment, and 
then, covering her face with her hands, 
burst into a paroxysm of tears. 

“Eugenie — Euge'nie 1” cried the 
Prince, astonished at the outbreak; 
“ what have I said to cause all this ? ” 

“ It is my own fault. You could not 
understand,” replied the girl, controlling 
herself. “ I deserve to suffer, and I ac- 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Deserve to suffer — your punish- 
ment — I do not understand.” 

“ You shall understand,” cried Eugenie, 
recovering her self-control with an effort, 
but strong in the force of her determina- 
tion. “ You shall understand how little 
I deserve the honour you have offered 
me. 1 am nothing but a wilful, selfish 
coquette, monsieur, and I despise myself 
for it. I deliberately tried to win your 
love for no other reason than to gratify 
my vanity. I pictured to myself the 
satisfaction of declining the affection of 
a prince of a once powerful family, who 
might himself become the Emperor of 
France. I admit it to you, to my 
shame. But while I, in my weakness, 
have been striving to accomplish this, 
you in your strength have taught me 
what love is; and that which I began 

[ 138 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

as a caprice has become a serious 
reality.” 

“ But if you do love me, Eugenie, why 
the suffering — why the punishment? 
I care not how it all began, if the ending 
bring me such a realisation of my 
hopes.” 

She looked at him gratefully as she 
replied : 

“You are generous, monsieur; but 
with that love there also comes to me an 
appreciation of the responsibilities. You 
are the descendant of a noble house. 
You belong to your country, and are not 
free to offer yourself except to some 
princess of rank equal to your own. I 
am proud indeed to know that were we 
upon equal footing I might share in the 
final triumph of your destiny ; but — 
that cannot be.” 

[ 139 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“You cannot be serious, Eugenie 1" 
cried the Prince. 

“ The symbols of the violet — loyalty 
and devotion — still hold true, mon- 
sieur, ” — her face was more beautiful 
than ever in the womanliness of her 
sacrifice, — “loyalty to the house of 
Bonaparte, as taught me by my father ; 
devotion to the present head of that 
house, as taught me by my heart ! ” 

“If this is true, surely you will not 
deny me the happiness I find almost 
within my grasp?” 

“ Because it is true, monseigneur, I 
must deny myself the greatest joy which 
has ever come to me,” said Eugenie firmly. 
“ Believing as I do that your ambitious 
dreams will be realised, and proud as I 
am to know that my love for you finds 
an answer in your heart, think how false 

[ 140 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

I should be to my devotion were I to 
accept the sacrifice you offer. — No, do 
not interrupt — you wish to go to Paris. 
You long for the possession of power, 
— to become Consul, President, possibly 
Dictator. Suppose you attain to the 
first of these, will that satisfy you ? Will 
it appease your ambition ? Will you not 
aspire still higher ? Ah 1 you know you 
will ! But how burdensome a wife would 
be to you 1 If, as you hope, you become 
Emperor, the place for an empress must 
be kept vacant. Yes, 1 love you, and 1 
rejoice to be able to tell you so, but as 
a proof of that love I must prevent you 
from making a mistake which might 
destroy your every hope.” 

“You are cruel, Eugenie. I have 
counted the cost before speaking to 
you. If 1 can force France to accept 

[ 141 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

me, I can also force her to accept my 
wife.” 

“Yes, but at double the effort; and 
perhaps the strength which would place 
you upon the throne would prove 
insufficient for the double task. There 
must be no cost to count, my Louis.” 

“ Then this is your final answer ? ” 

Eugenie did not at once reply. “ No,” 
she said at length, “ it may not be. If 
you are unfortunate in your plans, if 
events do not turn out according to your 
wishes, if France does not offer you 
what you expect from her, then come 
back, — but only then, — and 1 will 
give you your answer. Remember that 
my heart beats strong enough to make 
up to you for all sorrow, all disappointed 
hopes.” 

“ Ma belle Eugenie,” cried Louis, dis- 

[ 142 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

appointment and admiration mingled in 
his voice, “your beauty alone entitles 
you to a throne, and your unselfishness 
to an everlasting crown.’’ 

He drew a silken case from beneath 
his coat and regarded it for a moment in 
silence before he spoke. 

“ These faded petals which 1 have 
worn next my heart ever since that night 
you gave them to me at Gore House 
shall now be a priceless treasure. The 
violet of the Bonapartes takes on an 
added lustre in your love for it and for 
me. In deference to your judgment, I 
must now be silent, but I await the time 
when I may prove the gratitude and 
affection which 1 feel.” 

The Prince reverently raised her hand 
to his lips. Eugenie’s emotion nearly 
conquered her resolutions. 

[ 143 ] 



wh'M.. ( < 7 )\ f! 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Come, Prince, take me back to the 
hotel,” she said almost inaudibly. 

In silence they passed out of the 
Promenade and along the street until 
the hotel was reached. The Countess 
de Montijo was on the piazza, awaiting 
her daughter’s return. 

“ Leave me now, dear.” Eugenie 
looked up into his face with a faint 
smile. “’Twill be better so. You 
understand, do you not?” 

“I understand —and shall never 
forget,” replied the Prince fervently. 
“ Adieu ! ” 


[ 144 ] 


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CHAPTER FIVE 









I 


HAVE set my life upon a cast , 

And I will stand the hazard of the die. 

SHAKESPEARE 







CHAPTER FIVE 


NOTHER WINTER AND 
another summer had 
passed by, and London 
was a year older. Sep- 
tember found the city 
settling down for the sea- 
son’s responsibilities ; the shutters came 
down from the windows, and the houses 
of quality again showed signs of life. 
Crockford’s was no exception to the 
rule, and one by one the faces and figures 

[ 147 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

which had come to be familiar there re- 
sumed their accustomed places. 

It was still early in the evening. Lord 
Douglass and Lord Eglinton had met for 
the first time after the summer’s separa- 
tion, and sat by the window, sipping 
their brandy-and-sodas while awaiting 
the arrival of the others. The caster, the 
only other occupant of the room, moved 
quietly about the hazard-table, putting 
all in readiness for the evening’s play. 

“Is D’Orsay back?” asked Eglinton. 

“ He has n’t been away,” Douglass 
answered casually. 

“1 understood that he went to Bath 
early in the season.” 

“ You must have heard that from one 
of his creditors, my dear Eglinton. He 
spread the report that he had gone, had 
the shutters nailed up over the windows 

[ 148 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

at Gore House, and crawled in through 
the back door. He left his retreat only 
during the evenings, after the shops were 
closed, and the tradesmen had gone 
home.” 

“ The clever dog ! ” replied Eglinton 
laughing. “The wonder to me is that 
with all his troubles with his creditors he 
still is able to dress like a prince. Egad, 
even with my income, 1 should expect to 
have the bailiffs after me if I tried to 
rival his gorgeousness!” 

“ Then you don’t know how he works 
that little scheme?” asked Douglass, 
lighting a fresh cigarette. “ His clothes 
are the least of his troubles, for his 
tailors never send him any bills at all, 
fearing the withdrawal of his valued 
patronage, which would be a serious loss 
to them, since so many aspire to imitate 

[ 149 j 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

our gay Beau Brummell. Why, in the 
past i have even known the tailors to 
slip bank-notes into the pockets of his 
new suits before sending them home ; 
but D’Orsay killed the golden goose 
when he returned one set of garments, 
in which this formality had been omitted, 
with an exceedingly polite note informing 
the maker that he had forgotten to line 
the pockets 1 ” 

“ But he ’s a good-hearted chap, none 
the less,” replied Eglinton. “ I shall 
never forget what he did for poor old 
Crauford.” 

“ What was that ? ” 

“ Why, you remember, just before we 
broke up for the summer, what a run of 
luck D’Orsay had here at Crockford’s ? ” 
“Yes; but his winnings didn’t last 
long.” 

[ISO] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“He never got ha’pence for himself 
out of it all. D’Orsay was at the Major’s 
rooms one night, and found the old boy 
in the dumps over having to sell his com- 
mission in order to pay his debts. 
D’Orsay argued with him against doing 
this, but the Major was obstinate, and 
stuck to it that he must lose either his 
honour or his commission. 

‘“Then lend me ten pounds,’ said 
D’Orsay. 

“ ‘ But, my dear fellow,’ cried poor 
old Crauford, aghast, ‘ I have n’t enough 
even to pay my debts.’ 

“ ‘ But I might as well have it as for 
you to waste it in payments,’ D’Orsay 
retorted ; and, to make a long story short, 
he so insisted that the Major found it 
impossible to refuse. Then he left him, 
light-hearted and jocose as usual, but 

[»5t] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

with Crauford almost in a state of 
collapse.” 

“Can you wonder?” interrupted 
Douglass. 

“ Early the next morning D’Orsay 
again called on the Major, who probably 
thought himself about to be separated 
from the rest of his meagre hoardings; 
but the Count coolly began to empty his 
pockets of gold and bank-notes until he 
had counted out some seven hundred 
and fifty pounds. 

“ ‘ There, Crauford,’ he cried, ‘ take 
this money of yours and pay your debts, 
and never talk to me again about selling 
your commission.’ 

“ ‘ But this money is not mine,’ cried 
the Major in a pitiful voice. 

“ ‘ Yes, it is yours,’ retorted D’Orsay, 
imitating Crauford’s bewilderment and 

[ 152 ] 




I staked your ten pounds at 
Crochford’s, and this is what 
it won ” 

























THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

surprise. ‘ I staked your ten pounds at 
Crockford’s, and this is what it won. 
It’s yours, my boy, for as I live, had 
it been lost, you never would have 
gotten back sixpence I ’ ” 

“ Dear old D’Orsay I ” cried Douglass 
warmly ; “ that was just like him I But 
do you know, Eglinton, that in addition 
to his great big heart the Count has 
more ability than any one gives him credit 
for? Last winter he and I went to Ben- 
jamin Haydon’s studio. The artist was 
working on that picture of the Duke of 
Wellington, and D’Orsay’s criticisms 
were simply perfect. Then, in a jiffy, 
to illustrate one of the points he had 
made, he strutted to the picture in all 
his elegance, without even removing his 
immaculate gloves, took up a nasty, oily, 
dirty hogtool, and lowered the hind- 

[ 155 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

quarters of Copenhagen, the Duke’s 
charger, by bringing over a bit of sky. 
Then he bounded out of the studio and 
into our cab like a young Apollo with a 
fiery Pegasus, leaving Haydon behind 
trying to catch his breath, — but pleased, 
Eglinton, mightily pleased. There’s 
D’Orsay now, — just crossing the street. 
He’ll be here directly. Waiter, bring 
another brandy-and-soda.” 

Both gentlemen rose and advanced to 
the door, greeting the Count cordially 
as he entered. 

“ How now, my gay deceiver,” cried 
Douglass ; “ have you given your enemies 
the slip ?” 

“ Yes, confound them, — for the time 
being. 1 ’ve just left the Prince, and he 
will soon be here. It begins to look 
more as if he might have a bit of luck 

[ 156 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

tumble his way after all, — eh, Douglass? 
And if he does, 1 ’ll have my foreign 
ambassadorship, and can snap my fingers 
at these devil-tradesmen.” 

“ Anything new ? ” 

“ Nothing definite, but Louis is keeping 
in close touch with Persigny and the 
other party leaders. He feels certain 
that he ’ll be reelected representative in 
this week’s election.” 

“ It was clever of him to decline the 
other election.” 

“ Tell me the details of this change in 
the Prince’s fortunes,” interrupted Eglin- 
ton. “ I was in Scotland when it hap- 
pened, and heard only the main facts.” 

“ It reads like a story-book,” observed 
D’Orsay, as he followed the others back 
to their chairs, “ especially after the many 
predictions the Prince made, and in which 

f *57] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

we took no stock. All this happened 
last February, as you know. The people 
rose en masse, drove Louis Philippe out 
of France, repudiated the whole Orleans 
family, and established a Republic, with a 
provisional government. The Prince at 
once proceeded to Paris, accompanied by 
Dr. Conneau, his old friend and fellow- 
prisoner at Ham, and a few others, 
gathered the Bonaparte faction around 
him, including Persigny, Montholon, 
Voisin, old Jerome Bonaparte and his 
son, Prince Napoleon, and sent a letter 
to Lamartine, the Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, announcing his arrival, and his 
willingness to serve France.” 

“A precious nervy thing to do, too, 
with the decree of banishment still in 
force against him,” interrupted Douglass. 

“ It was all of that,” assented D’Orsay ; 

[ 158 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ and when the letter was read to the 
Ministers, it was suggested that he be 
arrested at once, and again clapped into 
Ham. But Louis was too clever for 
them, and before they could act he was 
back again in London, leaving Persigny 
and the others behind to stir up the 
people over his persecution. 

“ Then in May the provisional govern- 
ment expired, and elections were held to 
choose representatives to the Constituent 
Assembly. Persigny had done his work 
well, and Louis was elected from four 
different departements, — one of which 
included the city of Paris itself.” 

“ I heard of his election, but could not 
understand why he declined it,” said 
Eglinton. 

“ That was a stroke of genius, my dear 
Eglinton. As Douglass said a few mo- 

[ 159 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

ments ago, it was the cleverest thing 
Louis ever did. You can understand 
how his election must have terrified the 
existing government. They at once issued 
an order for his arrest if he set foot upon 
French soil, — claiming that his election 
was illegal since he was not a French 
citizen, and that by his imperial aspira- 
tions he was necessarily a traitor to the 
Republ ic. Then the Assembly was called 
upon to decide whether or not his elec- 
tion was valid, and the debates were so 
violent that the members did not dare to 
carry out their intentions. The Prince’s 
election was allowed to stand.” 

“ Then why did he not accept it ? ” 
persisted Eglinton. “Was this not the 
very thing for which he had been wait- 
ing so long?” 

“ But they did not abrogate the decree 
[ 160 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

of banishment, my dear boy,” replied 
D’Orsay, “ and the temper of the opposi- 
tion ran so high that the Prince decided 
to whet the appetite of the people by 
holding off. So he sent the Assembly a 
letter declining his election, which ran 
something like this — you know how 
Louis would put it: — 

“ ‘ My name is a symbol of order, of 
nationality, of glory, and it would be with 
the liveliest grief that 1 should see it sub- 
servient to national disorders. To avoid 
such a misfortune, I prefer to remain in 
exile. I am ready to sacrifice everything 
for the happiness of France,’ — and so 
on.” 

“That was a master-stroke, as you 
say,” cried Eglinton ; “but how 
has it resulted ? Did it arouse the 
people ? ” 

[ 161 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Yes ; but how far we shall not know 
until to-morrow morning. The Prince 
expects news from the Fall elections by 
that time.” 

“ Well, gentlemen, now that D’Orsay 
has had a chance to tell his story over 
again, and Eglinton the pleasure of hear- 
ing it, suppose we take a try at the 
bank,” suggested Douglass. 

During the conversation the room had 
received numerous additions, and the 
game was at its height. The three 
gentlemen found a place together at the 
table. The board was well covered with 
gold pieces, and the eyes of the players 
alternated from their stakes to the caster 
and the dice-box. The new-comers 
watched the run of the dice for 
a few moments before placing their 
stakes. 

[ 162 ] 


' THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“Seven is the main,” said Doug- 
lass at length. “ My bet is on the 
chance.” 

“Mine is that he nicks,” remarked 
Eglinton. 

“I’ll back the chance,” added 
D’Orsay. 

“ And mine is on the main,” cried the 
quiet but familiar voice of Louis 
Napoleon behind them. “ 1 ’ll make but 
one play to-night, gentlemen, and all on 
11 and 7, — the number of years between 
the Napoleonic regimes!” 

The entrance of the Prince had been 
so sudden, and the announcement of his 
play so dramatic, that all watched the 
caster with feverish interest. Slowly he 
threw the dice, and the little cubes 
settled upon the table. 

“Eleven!” exclaimed the caster, as the 

| 163 ] 


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players bent over the board to see the 
result. 

“My destiny!” cried the Prince, 
sweeping his winnings from the board, 
and retiring to a chair near the window. 

“You are nervous to-night, Prince,” 
observed Eglinton, leaving the table and 
joining his friend. 

“I fear 1 am, Eglinton; — but don’t let 


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many things which have happened during 

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all in what he says of you.” 


1 

“You find D’Orsay more credulous 

4-U A A ~ *> ’> iL . 



than of old, do you not ? ” asked the 
Prince smiling. 

“ He has more reason to be so, 1 should 
judge.” 

Yes, perhaps so; — yet 1 scarcely 

[164] 




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THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

know.” The Prince’s face became 
serious, and he spoke slowly. “ I have 
risked all upon a single throw — ” 

“ Just as you did to-night.” 

“ But for infinitely higher stakes, my 
friend,” Louis replied impressively. 
“ Give me but foothold in France, grant 
me the opportunity to work out my 
destiny on French soil, even in the 
humble capacity of representative of the 
people, and 1 will guarantee to turn my 
dreaming into realities.” 

The Prince’s eyes flashed bright, and 
he clenched his hands with nervous 
excitement. 

“ Oh, Eglinton 1 ” he cried, leaning 
across the small table between them, 
and speaking into his friend’s face with 
intense earnestness, “ can you not realise 
what it means to me, — after all these 

[ 165 ] 




THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

years, — at last to be confronted with 
the crisis ? In the midst of disappoint- 
ment, in the face of danger, I have never 
flinched, never lost hope ; but with the 
first sign of success I find my strength 
wavering. My fate has already been 
decided in France, and a messenger 
should arrive to bring me tidings not 
later than to-morrow morning. I have 
no reason to expect anything unfavour- 
able. I believe that our strategy has 
been successful, — and yet for the first 
time in my life I am actually tremb- 
ling. Mon Dieu! I am ashamed of 
myself ! ” 

“You must get your mind on some- 
thing else, Prince,” said Eglinton re- 
assuringly. “ Let me ask D’Orsay and 
Douglass to join us in a rubber of 
whist.” 


| 166 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Suiting his action to the word, Eglin- 
ton called Lord Douglass and the Count 
away from the bank. 

“ You took the luck with you, Louis,” 
cried Douglass as he approached; “1 
wish I could win all at a single throw, 
and have done with it as you did.” 

“ You never would have staked your 
all, as I have done, Douglass,” retorted 
Louis. 

“ Come, come, forget France for to- 
night, cousin. If you really believe in 
destiny, all that you or 1 may do cannot 
change it. — Cut the cards, D’Orsay, and 
let the game begin.” 

The cards fell with varying fortunes 
for an hour. The excitement around the 
bank continued, but quiet reigned at the 
whist table. It was the last hand of 
the rubber game, with six tricks scored 

[ 167 ] 





THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

on either side. Douglass glanced up at 
the Prince before leading his last card. 

“ You have us beaten, Louis ; you hold 
the king.” 

“ The King has been in my hand since 
the day the Due de Reichstadt died,” 
replied the Prince meaningly ; “ only he 




has not realised it.” 

If 


A commotion at the door attracted the 


attention of all in the room, as a stranger, 



breathless, pushed his way by the atten- 



dant, and, after glancing hurriedly around 



the room, rushed to where the Prince 



was sitting. 



“ Persigny 1 ” cried Louis, starting to 


I 

his feet, and grasping the stranger by 
the shoulder. 




“ Monseigneur ! ” 



“ Tell me quick, — the news 1 ” 

“The people of France have spoken, 
[ 168 ] 





monseigneur. The decree of banish- 
ment has been abrogated. You have been 
overwhelmingly reelected. The people 
demand your presence in Paris!” 

“ At last 1 ” cried Louis. Then turning 
to his friends he embraced them warmly. 

“ Good-night, but not farewell.” 

The Princeand Persigny hastily crossed 
the room, but at the door Louis turned. 

“ Till our next meeting, gentlemen.” 

“ In Paris 1 ” cried D’Orsay. 

“ At the Tuileries 1 ” shouted the 
Prince. 


[ 169 ] 




CHAPTER SI 








F 



OR me / ask no more than honour gives , 

To think me yours , and rank me with your 
friends. 


SHAKESPEARE. 




OUIS NAPOLEON, AS A 
w representative of that peo- 


ple over which the founder 

of his house once ruled as 

absolute monarch, had 
taken his place in the Con- 


stituent Assembly. The Assembly had 


B L\ 


decreed that the new Republic demanded 


a President, and that the French people 


(M& 




been held, and Louis Napoleon had been 

[ *73 ] 




THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

overwhelmingly chosen as the single 
leader of the people. 

It was five o'clock in the afternoon of 
a December day. The great hall of the 
Assembly was growing dim as the day- 
light faded away. The massive chan- 
deliers were lowered and lighted. M. 
Marrast made a signal, a door on the 
right was opened, the new President 
entered the hall, and ascended the tri- 
bune. He was dressed in black, and 
wore upon his breast the badge of the 
Legion of Honour, bestowed upon him 
by Napoleon while yet in his cradle. 
His face was pale and careworn, his 
broad brow lightly covered with fair 
hair, his figure slight, slow in movement, 
but dignified in carriage, — his blue eyes 
were seemingly veiled, but at intervals 
they flashed with the confidence of con- 

[ 174 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

viction. Fate was but demanding the 
fulfilment of her decrees. The Assembly, 
inquisitive and hostile, could find no fault 
with the courteous gentleman who stood 
before them ready to accept the responsi- 
bilities which the people placed upon 
him. 

The President of the Assembly rose in 
his place and read the oath in a loud, 
calm voice: 

“ In the presence of God, and before 
the French people represented by the 
National Assembly, I swear to remain 
faithful to the democratic Republic, one 
and indivisible ; and to fulfil all the 
duties imposed upon me by the Consti- 
tution.” 

Louis Napoleon faced the Assembly, 
and responded firmly: 

“ 1 swear it.” 

[‘ 75 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

The President of the Assembly de- 
scended from the tribune. Three ques- 
tors, nominated by the Assembly, 
escorted the President of the Republic to 
the Elysee Palace, which had been ap- 
pointed for his residence. The questors 
took their departure, and Louis Napoleon, 
left for the first time to himself, walked 
to the window of the reception-room, 
and gazed silently out through the trees 
at the lights on the Champs Elyse'es. 

His reverie was disturbed by a knock 
at the door. The first valet appeared on 
the threshold. 

“Shall I enter, Excellency? A mes- 
senger just left this box for you, request- 
ing its immediate delivery.” 

The President took the box in 
his hand, and dismissed the valet. 
Opening it, he found a huge bunch 
[ 176 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

of violets, bearing a simple inscrip- 
tion : 

" The first step is accomplished. 

— Eugenie.” 

A flood of memories passed through 
his mind. Eugenie, almost forgotten in 
the midst of such momentous episodes, 

— Eugenie, whose faith in him and in 
his destiny had been unwavering, whose 
unselfish love had saved him for his high 
position ! 

Forgotten 1 Ah, no 1 Louis Napoleon 
laid aside the fragrant blossoms, and drew 
from the inmost pocket of his coat a 
silken case. The odour from the faded 
petals contained there could not compare 
with that which filled the room ; yet the 
old-time fragrance seemed to fill his heart. 
The powdered dust fluttered out in spite 
of his precaution, and acting like a magic 

[ 177 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

potion, turned the present back into the 
past. It changed the grand, lonely re- 
ception-hall of the Elysee Palace in Paris 
into a moon-lit garden in London, in 
which there was one person besides him- 
self. The President of the great French 
Republic smiled quietly as he closed the 
silken case, and gazed at it reflectively 
before he returned it to its accustomed 
place. Then he looked up, as if half- 
expecting to see before him a mischievous 
face, crowned with golden-brown hair, 
in which the violet blossoms twined. 

Then Eugenie was in Paris. His first 
delight gave way to a critical mood. 
She was but a woman, after all. She 
had refused him a year before, and at the 
time he thought her action prompted by 
consideration for him and for his future, 
— but was that the real reason ? He 

[ 178 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

was a pretender then, now he is the 
head of the French people. She realised 
the difference. So soon as she sees him 
with power and position in his hand, 
straightway she comes to France, and 
throws herself at him. 

The President folded his arms behind 
him, and walked up and down the long 
room. Finally he paused before the 
table upon which he had placed the 
bunch of violets, and took them in 
his hand. He crossed to the centre of 
the room, so that the light from the 
great chandelier might fall upon the 
card. 

“Tbe first step is accomplished,'’ 

Then she considered it only as the 
first step, — she knows he will not be 
content to stop at this point, so far short 
of his goal ; and knowing this, her own 

[ 179 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

argument must still hold true as it did 
a year ago. “ If, as you hope, you become 
Emperor,” she had said, “ the place for 
an empress must be kept vacant.” She 
would not have written thus had she 
followed him to Paris with any thought 
of marriage. 

Her heart was with him in this his 
first success! She was proud of him, 
she believed in him. She had watched 
his star of destiny become bright, and 
hastened to France that she might be 
the first to offer him her sympathy and 
friendship. 

" Eugenie.” 

It was the first time he had ever seen 
her handwriting. The odour of the 
flowers seemed to become stronger, — 
almost overpowering. His heart beat 
faster, and a wave of emotion passed 
[ 180 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

over him. “ The symbols of the violet 

— loyalty and devotion — still hold true.” 
He could hear her voice as it rang out firm 
and clear in the Promenade at Baden, 

— and he had doubted her motives! 
Euge'nie was in Paris ; then he must 

see her. And why was their marriage 
such an impossibility ? Was he not 
President ? Who was there in all France 
to dictate to him when or where he 
should choose his wife ? He must see 
her, — he would see her at once. 

Louis pulled the bell-cord, and the 
valet appeared. 

“ Was there any message left with 
these flowers?” 

“ No, Excellency, — none.” 

“Show me to my apartment.” 
Taking the violets in his hand, and 
still meditating, Louis followed the valet 
[ 181 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

to his rooms upon the first floor. His 
mood now turned to resentment. Why 
had Eugenie come to Paris without 
letting him know where she might be 
found ? Had she sent him the flowers and 
the greeting simply to tantalise him ? 
Then she was a coquette after all, — and 
she dared to play with him, the President 
of France ! His temper gained control 
over him, and he threw the violets upon 
the table, — and from the centre of the 
bunch a tiny piece of paper fluttered out. 
Another revulsion of feeling swept over 
him as he seized it eagerly. 

It was a brief message: 

“ I have come to Taris to be near you 
while you mould France to your liking. 
If / may see you without interfering with 
your plans, it will give me happiness; 
if not, I shall understand. I am writing 
[ 182 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

to tell you that if you need money to 
accomplish your desires, my fortune is at 
your command. Use it freely , — as my 
father would have bad you do.” 

Louis folded the paper deliberately, 
then unfolded it and read it again. 
Then he placed it in his pocket, and seat- 
ing himself beside a table, rested his head 
upon his hand. After a few moments 
he rose, and crossed to the writing-desk, 
where he composed a hurried note. He 
sealed it carefully, stamping it with the 
arms of France. Then he again rang for 
the valet. 

“ See that this note is delivered im- 
mediately to Mademoiselle de Montijo, 
Number 12, Place Vendome.” 

The afternoon of the following day 
found the President in the drawing-room 

[ 183 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

of the Countess de Montijo and her 
daughter, in the elaborate establishment 
which they had leased for the season. 
The half-light of the departing day cast 
heavy shadows in the room, and Louis 
walked to the windows, glancing out 
meditatively upon the Place Vendome. 
There stood the Colonne Vendome, re- 
flecting, in its vicissitudes, the political 
history of France. To-day, an ugly 
statue of the great Napoleon, in a heavy 
coat and three-cornered hat, surmounted 
the tall pile of masonry and bronze. 
Louis Philippe had yielded to the de- 
mands of the people in replacing the 
monster fleur-de-lis, surmounted by a 
white flag, which the Royalists had placed 
there when the original statue was de- 
stroyed. He recognised the necessity of 
topping more appropriately these cher- 

[ 184 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

ished relics of the victories of France 
over Russia and Austria ; but the statue 
was a caricature, as the King had in- 
tended it to be, and Louis frowned as he 
regarded it. But the frown did not last 
long, as his reflections were interrupted. 

“ You are good to come so soon to 
me,” exclaimed Eugenie as she entered 
the drawing-room, and the President 
advanced quickly to meet her. “ Mamma 
will be in soon, but I told her 1 wanted 
you all to myself, at first.” 

“ The goodness is on your side, made- 
moiselle,” replied the President quietly ; 
“nothing could have given me greater 
pleasure than to learn that you were in 
Paris.” 

“ You think it a part of the old-time 
forwardness that I should tell you of 
my presence here so soon after your 

[ 185 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

triumph ? ” Eugenie asked smiling, but 
her eyes expressed the answer she antici- 
pated. 

“ 1 should not have forgiven you had 
you delayed. I was surprised, but no 
less delighted to receive your message.” 

Louis could not keep his eyes from the 
beautiful girl before him. In face and 
figure, even where further perfection had 
seemed impossible, the intervening year 
had added finishing touches. The quiet 
dignity, which replaced the restless, ad- 
venturous spirit, did not destroy that 
vivacity which had been so becoming, 
but rather added a final charm to the 
many attractive attributes. Louis’ capti- 
vation was complete. His plans for 
future greatness, his misgivings as to the 
effect a marriage such as this might have 
upon his position, his determination to 
[ 186 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

be deliberate, and to consider the matter 
calmly, — all fled in the presence of such 
radiant loveliness. He was the man 
again, and his heart, struggling with his 
ambition, conquered the training of a 
lifetime. 

“ 1 have missed you, Louis, during this 
year of separation ; but you have been so 
engrossed in exciting affairs that I feared 
you had almost forgotten my existence.” 

“ On the contrary, dear friend, in spite 
of your admonitions, 1 have never for- 
gotten — shall never forget — those days 
at Baden, when your confidence, while 
all others scoffed, gave me the strength 
I so sadly needed.” 

“ The confidence was well placed, was 
it not, my Prince-President ? ” Eugenie 
looked proudly into his face. “ We 
knew, you and I, — did we not? — that 

[ 187 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

the potency of our flower of destiny was 
sufficient to bring about a realisation of 
our hopes? We knew that the long 
patience would be rewarded, and that 
France would at last be true to her best 
self.” 

Louis did not answer directly; he 
seemed almost unmindful of the spoken 
words. 

“ It is good to have you back where I 
can see you again, Eugenie,” he said 
feelingly. “ Why did you leave London 
so suddenly ? Had it not been for these 
stirring times which have kept me en- 
grossed in spite of myself, 1 should have 
felt your cruelty even more keenly.” 

“ You know why I left London, Louis,” 
replied Eugenie seriously. “When 1 
look back upon the wilfulness, the reck- 
lessness of my life at Madrid and during 
[ 188 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

the year in London, I cannot understand 
why you did not despise me as I despised 
myself. It was innocent, in a way, yet 
1 cared so little for what the world said 
or thought that my selfishness must 
often have wounded as well as shocked. 
My vanity made me indifferent to all 
proprieties, and I was a silly, wicked 
coquette.” 

“ You are severe, mademoiselle ; and 
you speak of a lady whom I admire,” 
said the President with apparent serious- 
ness. 

“ No more severe than the lady de- 
serves, Excellency,” Eugenie replied 
smiling slightly, but at once returning 
to her serious mood. “1 confessed all 
this to you that day at Baden, — when 
the realisation of it first came to me. 
An experience such as that is enough to 

[1891 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

change a heedless girl into a woman, 
and 1 hope that the old-time irrespon- 
sibility is dead, never to be resur- 
rected.” 

“ But you should not have gone away, 
when you had just become well estab- 
lished, and were surrounded by such a 
host of friends. Had I known of your 
intention, 1 should have left London 
myself.” 

“ I thought I was strong enough to 
live up to the decision I had made, Louis, 
but I found myself hopelessly weak. It 
has taken all this time for me to become 
sure of myself, — so that I might be near 
you, without being a menace to your 
fortunes.” 

“ But you are near me now, and you 
will stay here, will you not ? ” 

“ Yes, Louis ; we are together here, as 
[ 190 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

you say, — yet farther apart than ever 
before in all our lives.” 

“ Farther apart ? 1 do not under- 

stand.” 

“ Surely you understand.” Eugenie’s 
whole womanhood shone in her face as 
she looked up. “ Surely you understand. 
Until now there has been a possibility 
that France would not offer you what 
you expected from her, in which case 1 
might have hoped that you would come 
back to me for a final answer to your 
generous offer. Now, that possibility is 
removed, — and believe me, Louis, I re- 
joice that this is so. My pride shall be 
to me what my love might have been, 
and in your success 1 shall gain the hap- 
piness which otherwise might have come 
in another way.” 

“ Do you think that I shall let you 

[ 191 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

bear all the sacrifice, Eugenie ? ” he asked 
firmly. “ It was wise to have waited, — 
your judgment was better than mine ; 
but now that I am President 1 am my 
own master, and am free to marry where 
1 choose.” 

“ Ah, Louis, is your ambition satisfied ? 
Are you content to stop here? Is it 
enough to have been the President of the 
Republic, and then to see the power pass 
into another’s hand, while you sink back 
into oblivion ? No, 1 believe I know you 
better than you know yourself I Y ou will 
use this new power which Fate has given 
you to raise France again to the proud 
position she held under the great 
Napoleon. You will turn the tide of 
enthusiasm over this impossible idea of 
a country ruled by the people to the 
old-time pride and gratification of the 
[ 192 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

masses in looking up to a single ruler. 
And you will be that ruler, Louis ; you 
will be their Emperor 1 ” 

“ Then you shall be their Empress 1 ” 
Eugenie held up her hand restrain- 
ingly. 

“ That is impossible. Let me stay 
near you while 1 can. Give me your 
friendship, and let me give you mine. 
Understand how true this relation may 
be, since it has nothing to ask on either 
side. Grant me the happiness of plan- 
ning with you the glorious future which 
is assured. And then, Louis, when the 
time comes to choose your wife from 
among the royal houses, as you must, 
let me be the first to offer my congrat- 
ulations ; and if 1 may not continue as 
your friend, 1 shall still have the satis- 
faction of knowing that I have played 

[ 193 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

my part in the final destiny of the man 
1 love.” 

“ Eugenie, 1 will entreat no longer. I 
come to you not as I did before, — with 
nothing but hopes and aspirations, — 
but as the President of France. We love 
each other, and there is no reason why we 
should not consecrate that love. If you 
will not heed the lover, you must respect 
the head of this Republic. As my first 
official act, 1 command you to marry me! ” 
“ But 1 am not your subject, most 
worthy potentate!” Eugenie replied 
archly. “The President of France has 
no jurisdiction over Spain. What will 
you do with me ? Will you have me 
arrested for daring to defy your 
authority ? 1 warn you, Excellency, that 
I shall call upon my sovereign for pro- 
tection ! — But seriously, Louis, you must 

[ 194 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

let me have my own way. It is the best 
way, and you will see it so yourself, just 
as you now admit that I was right before. 
If you do not, I must leave Paris. That 
is what I mean by saying that I might be 
a menace to your fortunes. Shall I stay, 
Louis, simply as your friend, or will you 
drive me from you ? ” 

Eugenie was irresistible in her appeal, 
and the President held out his arms as if 
to restrain her from disappearing. 

“ Stay, Eugenie, stay ! ” he cried im- 
pulsively. “ At least it will make it 
possible for me to take advantage of any 
opportunity which may arise to carry out 
my heart’s desire. I could not bear the 
load which must come upon me before 
my plans are finally accomplished, with- 
out you beside me to advise and to 
encourage.” 

[ 195 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Then I will stay, Louis,” the girl re- 
plied with quiet satisfaction. “ Let it 
be said of you, when your name goes 
down in history, ‘ He was a monarch who 
possessed one true friend, who craved 
his friendship for the love she bore him, 
asking neither honour nor reward, other 
than the satisfaction of knowing that she 
had aided him in the working out of his 
destiny.’ ” 

“ I would prefer to have it said of me 
that 1 chose a consort, not for the politi- 
cal strength it would give my country, 
but because 1 wished to confer upon my 
people the blessing of an empress who 
was a true woman, who could teach 
them courage and bravery and loyalty. 
But you are too strong for me, Eugenie ; 
1 still bide my time!” 

[ 196 ] 


a xu r xxxxx xrxruxxxxxuxusxu jxxx zm rxrruxaxrxxi 



‘txrxrxzsxxrTrxxtxrrxr 


nnxnmmirnnmrrinzTiri 


CHAPTER SEVEN 




cr'HAT they should take who have the power , 
And they should keep who can. 

WORDSWORTH. 







HE PRESIDENT’S PRI- 
vate secretary entered the 
secret cabinet at the 
Elysee Palace with evi- 
dences of considerable ex- 
citement. 

“ What now, Mocquard ? ” asked the 
President, looking up from his writing 
with some impatience at the interrup- 
tion. 

“ An important matter, Excellency. 

[» 99 ] 



H fv. V) 

\\)r ’ 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

I have full details of a serious conspiracy 
which demands immediate attention.” 

“ Another one ? ” asked Louis calmly. 
“ Who are concerned in it this time ? ” 

“ The Orleanists and the Legitimists, 
headed by General Changarnier.” 

“ Changarnier ! Still smarting over his 
dismissal from the head of the army, is 
he? Well?” 

The affair has advanced considerably, 
Excellency. An act has been drawn up 
by the Committee of Permanence accus- 
ing you of having exceeded your powers, 
of having attempted to change the form 
of government, and of usurping the 
sovereign authority.” 

“There is nothing new in all this; 
we have heard the same story regularly 
during the past year,” interrupted the 
President. 

[ 200 J 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Yes, Excellency, but this time there 
seems to be greater strength back of the 
attack. The paper has already been 
handed to M. Dupin for signature, and 
it is then to be given to General Chan- 
garnier, who is to arrest you, and put 
you in prison.” 

“ Arrest me ! They are getting bold, 
these carrion ! ” 

“ General Changarnier is to assume a 
dictatorship until the Assembly has 
approved of what has been done. Then 
an appeal is to be made to the people 
for a restoration of the Orleans dynasty.” 

“ They are gaining confidence by our 
delay,” cried the President, rising, and 
pacing rapidly up and down the room. 
“ They are forcing our hands a bit, but 
if they are in haste for a sovereign ruler 
they shall have him, — though it won’t 
[201 ] 





M 



THE FLOWER 

be the Comte de Paris I Send word to 
Persigny, St. Arnaud, and Morny to 
attend me immediately.” 

Louis Napoleon had been President of 
France for nearly three years, and his 
conduct thus far had surprised and dis- 
appointed every class and faction in the 
State. The Bonapartists were delighted 
with the sagacity, ability, and energy with 
which he had administered the govern- 
ment, while the partisans of the Bourbon 
and Orleans families, together with the 
Red Republicans and the Socialists, were 
astonished and offended by the same 
course. These parties, throughout his 
term of office, combined in the Assembly 
in an endeavour tocrush every measure he 
advanced, and this antagonism between 
the Executive and the Legislative branches 
of the government had created discord 

I 202 1 



LinminKuninnvaumrm si n t virrvytmTTTTiTTrrrvTv v vvt 

THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

among the people, and tended to ruin 
the best interests of France. 

The President, keenly watching the 
trend of affairs, saw in this division the 
opportunity for successfully placing 
himself beyond the reach of their 
animosity. He had made good use of the 
three years in gaining the confidence of 
the people and of the army; and with 
the combined support of these, at a 
critical time, he could afford to laugh at 
the antagonism of his adversaries. But 
he had not felt that the psychological 
moment for creating this crisis had yet 
arrived. 

Within an hour the President’s three 
confidential advisers were in his cabinet. 
Mocquard repeated the outline of the 
plot, as he had previously given it to the 
President. 

[203 } 

irnm iTiiim » t rn nriinm 




THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Well,” interrogated Louis, turning to 
St. Arnaud, “ what do you think of it ?” 

“ Changarnier is over-reaching himself 
in his impatience,” replied the General. 
“ He imagines that the whole army took 
affront at his dismissal, and that they 
will now support him in carrying out 
his conspiracy. But we know differ- 
ently, so need fear nothing from that 
source.” 

“ Dupin is the really serious factor in 
the affair,” suggested Morny. “ This is 
the first time he has dared to use his 
official position as President of the As- 
sembly to give weight to the movement. 
I think, however, that he will move 
rather slowly, as it is an important step 
for him to make, and his courage is apt 
to fail him.” 

“ But we must not venture the success 

[204 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

of our own plans upon any such uncer- 
tain hypothesis,” said the President 
decisively. “ We are not quite ready 
to launch our thunderbolt, but 1 see no 
reason why we may not hasten to 
mature the details, and administer 
to these conspirators a dose of their own 
medicine.” 

“To-day is Wednesday,” added Per- 
signy reflectively ; “ the next President’s 
reception is on Monday evening. No 
suspicion of our own plans has gone 
abroad, and 1 would suggest that we 
strike on that night. It will give us 
ample time to perfect the few details 
which remain.” 

“ Monday night will be December 
first,” said Louis meditatively. “That 
will bring the coup d’etat on December 
second.” 


[205 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

He was silent for a moment. The 
date seemed to recall something to him. 
Then he rose from his chair and addressed 
his companions with decision. 

“ Gentlemen,” he said impressively, 
“ the hand of destiny still guides me. 
December second is the anniversary of 
the coronation of the great Napoleon, 
and of the battle of Austerlitz. A more 
propitious moment could not be chosen. 
Monday night it shall be. You all are 
to attend the reception as usual, and at 
ten o’clock we will retire to this cabinet, 
where we can keep our hands on the 
strings. St. Arnaud, be sure that 
the Minister of Police understands his 
instructions, and that the necessary de- 
tachments of soldiers are at his disposal ; 
make a careful examination of your list, 
Morny, and assure yourself that there are 
[ 206 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

no omissions ; Persigny, you are to see 
Seville about the proclamations, and ad- 
vise Madame Favart of the distinguished 
guests we plan to bestow upon her. 
And now, gentlemen, an revoir, — until 
Monday evening.” 

It was a gay and elegant assemblage 
which gathered in the gold and white 
salon of the Elysee Palace on the evening 
of December 1, 1851, to do homage to 
the President of the French Republic, on 
the occasion of his weekly reception. 
These social events had begun quite 
simply, but Louis Napoleon clearly un- 
derstood that he owed his present posi- 
tion to the glory of a Name. He knew 
that the Name was deeply enshrined in 
the hearts of the people as a souvenir of 
former grandeur, and he intended to keep 

[207 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

it surrounded with a lustre which should 
reflect glory upon its present owner. 
Thus the weekly receptions at the Elysee 
Palace became more pretentious as the 
new President gained in strength, until 
they began to be reminiscent of the 
imperial splendour of the First Empire. 
And the French people applauded and 
approved, without stopping to reflect 
that such action was not in keeping with 
a Republic, although Louis Napoleon 
fully realised it. 

The President was assisted in receiving 
his guests by his cousin, the Princess 
Mathilde, who had been recalled to Paris 
immediately after his election, to preside 
with much grace and tact over his 
household at the Elysee Palace. Officials, 
ministers, senators, chamberlains moved 
here and there throughout the brilliantly 
[ 208 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

lighted rooms ; gay cavaliers and beauti- 
fully dressed ladies exchanged compli- 
ments and welcomed the innovations, 
while the party leaders studied the throng 
and endeavoured to draw conclusions 
favourable each to his own leader. 

Eugenie and her mother were frequent 
attendants on these occasions, and the 
marked attentions which the President 
bestowed upon Mademoiselle de Montijo 
caused no little gossip. But she was so 
lovely, and her whole person and every 
movement were so attractive and at the 
same time so full of dignity, that all 
criticisms save those of jealousy were 
silenced by the influence of her bewitch- 
ing beauty. 

Mademoiselle de Montijo brought 
friends with her on this particular even- 
ing, — none other than Lady Blessington 

[ 209 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

and Count d’Orsay ; and as the President 
saw them approaching, he stepped for- 
ward with undisguised eagerness to 
greet them. 

“ At last, dear madame, you have 
yielded to my importunities,” he ex- 
claimed cordially. “ And D’Orsay, too ; 
this indeed seems like old times! Do 
you remain long in Paris ? ” 

“ No, Prince ; do you ? ” 

“Ah, D’Orsay!” The President 
laughed heartily. “ Does it still seem so 
unreal to you?” 

“ I have been rubbing my eyes until 1 
am in danger of being taken as a friend 
of the Orleanists,” replied D’Orsay ; “ but 
it is a charming dream, and I have no 
desire to be awakened.” 

“ Dear old friend,” said Louis affection- 
ately, “ you have every reason to think it 
[ 210 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

a dream ; but I have not forgotten you, 
as you undoubtedly think I have. An- 
other step remains to be taken ; then you 
shall receive evidence as to its reality.” 

“ France is certainly losing a rare oppor- 
tunity in not availing herself of my 
services.” 

“ I know she is, D’Orsay,” laughed the 
President, “ but she shall not be without 
them much longer.” 

“To-night quite eclipses your other 
soirees. Excellency,” observed Eugenie; 
“ and I see several of the older French 
families represented among the guests 
who have previously held aloof.” 

“ I am trying an experiment this even- 
ing, mademoiselle,” replied the President. 
“ We are approaching a crisis, and 1 am 
curious to see how the people enjoy a 
taste of imperialism.” 

[211 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ A crisis, Prince ? ” queried Lady 
Blessington, — “ another one ?” 

“ No, niadame, — that same coup d’etat 
with which the administration has been 
threatened for over a year.” 

“ We in Paris have grown quite used 
to these rumours,” added Eugenie. “ The 
National Assembly has been going to de- 
pose the President and set up a Dictator 
in his place for so long that we pay little 
attention to fresh rumblings.” 

‘‘You show no anxiety over the 
situation, Prince,” added Lady Bles- 
sington. 

“It will be time enough when the 
critical moment finally arrives,” replied 
Louis. “ So far, the incendiaries have all 
turned firemen.” 

A distinguished group of military 

officials and diplomats was gathered at 
[ 212 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

the opposite end of the salon, somewhat 
apart from the others. 

“ There is no question as to his in- 
tentions,” said General de Lamoriciere 
with emphasis. “ To-night’s display 
should convince any one that the fellow 
only bides his time to proclaim himself 
Emperor.” 

“ But we have at least a month before 
us,” replied General Changarnier. “ He 
would not think of alienating the trades- 
men by disturbing what people are al- 
ready calling ‘the confectioners’ truce.’ ” 

“ A month is a long time,” suggested 
General Leflo, “ and I see no reason for 
delay. Our plans are complete, and all 
we lack is Dupin’s signature. Can we 
not bring pressure to bear on him, and 
be prepared to act quickly in an emer- 
gency?” 

1213] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Dupin promised me that the papers 
should be signed yesterday,” said M. 
Thiers. “ The representatives all think 
that December fourth is the time to 
make our coup d’etat.” 

“ It can’t come too soon for me,” 
laughed Changarnier. 

“ We must see Dupin to-morrow, and 
have everything arranged.” General de 
Lamoriciere spoke decisively. “ Come, 
we have already been talking together 
too long.” 

“ There is no danger,” said Lefl6 re- 
assuringly. “ The coup d’etat has been 
in every one’s mouth for so many months 
that no one believes there is anything 
to it.” 

Moray was just entering the room. 
After saluting the President, he mingled 
with the guests. 

[ 214 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“You are late, monsieur,” said 
Madame Liadieres archly. 

“ I have been to the Opera Comique, 
madame,” replied Morny, quite at his 
ease ; “ they gave the first representation 
of the ‘Chateau de Barbe-Bleue.’ ” 

“ You are fortunate to be able to prove 
an alibi, monsieur. To-night has been 
rife with all sorts of rumours. We 
should not have been surprised to see a 
company of guards enter when you came 
in, and to hear martial law proclaimed.” 

“ Indeed I you surprise me, madame ! 
Then the Assembly is really serious at 
last in carrying out its threats ? ” 

“ No one knows ; but if there is to be 
a sweeping out, monsieur, on which side 
shall you be ? ” 

“ On the handle side, madame,” replied 
Morny, with a deep bow. 

[ 215 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Ten o’clock struck, and St. Arnaud, 
Persigny, Morny, and Mocquard left the 
reception-room by the principal door, 
without exciting any suspicion, and 
made their way by the courtyard to 
the private cabinet. They were but a 
moment in advance of their chief. 

“Gentlemen, 1 greet you,’’ said the 
President, as his fellow-conspirators rose 
to their feet. “ But we have little time 
for greetings,” he continued, advancing 
to his desk. “ There is work ahead for 
us to do this night upon the result of 
which depends the integrity of France. 
Gentlemen, 1 await your reports. Let 
me hear from St. Arnaud first.” 

“At four o’clock in the morning, 
Excellency, the office of the Minister of 
Police will be filled with secret and trusty 
agents, and forty commissaries. Each 
[ 216 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

man will be summoned by a bell to the 
inner cabinet of M. de Maupas, where 
he will be given his instructions, and a 
warrant for the arrest of the man whose 
name is assigned to him. Each agent and 
commissary is to be accompanied by a 
detail of fifteen soldiers. The instruc- 
tions are that each arrest is to be made 
precisely at five minutes after six o’clock ; 
and detachments of troops are to be 
stationed in the vicinity of the house of 
each arrest, to protect the agents of the 
government from being interfered with 
by the populace. The prisoners are all 
to be conveyed by different routes to the 
Mazas prison, and after obtaining a receipt 
from Thie'rion, the special commissioner, 
each agent is to report here to you.” 

“ Excellent 1 And your list, Morny, — 
let me see it.” 

[ 217 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

The President examined the paper 
handed to him with great care. 

“Hum, — seventy-eight in all. How 
do they divide up, Morny?” 

“ Eighteen are influential members of 
the Assembly, Excellency, and the rest 
include generals, orators, leaders of secret 
societies, commanders of barricades and 
hostile editors.” 

“ You are sure that this list includes 
all ? ” 

“Quite positive, Excellency. With 
these men in confinement, there will be 
no opposition in carrying out your 
further plans.” 

“ And now as to Madame Favart, Per- 
signy. She is prepared to hold her 
pigeons in a safe dove-cote until we are 
ready to release them ? ” 

“ All is arranged, Excellency. The 
[ 218 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

five generals have already planned for 
their game of cards there, and are quite 
likely at her establishment by this time. 
Their wine is to be drugged, and they 
will be locked securely in one room. A 
detachment of soldiers has been assigned 
to surround the house, and prevent any 
interference-” 

“And the proclamations?” 

“ Here are the proofs. The printing- 
office is hermetically sealed, and the 
printing going on. The gendarmerie sur- 
round the works, and there can be no 
interruption. Beville is in charge.” 

The President critically scanned the 
four documents before him. 

“ These will be posted — when ? ” 

“ By half-past seven in the city, and 
within an hour later in the outskirts.” 

“The plans seem to be complete,” the 

[ 219 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

President announced. “ St. Arnaud, you 
and Moray take this list to the Minister 
of Police, and make the assignments, first 
striking off the five names Persigny will 
indicate. Madame Favart has relieved 
us of the annoyance of arresting them. 
Return here, at seven o’clock in the 
morning, and we will await the reports.” 

St. Arnaud and Moray rose, bowed 
and left the room. The President, Moc- 
quard, and Persigny were left alone. 
Louis regarded the latter for a moment 
in silence. 

“ Well, old friend,” he said at length, 
rising and placing his hand affectionately 
upon Persigny’s shoulder, “ we have seen 
some important crises together, but this 
one will make or break our fortunes.” 

“ There can be but one result, Excel- 
lency,” replied Persigny calmly; “the 
[ 220 ] . 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

people will welcome the change back to 
the Empire. The only ones to oppose it 
are the names on Morny’s list, and they 
have personal reasons for their prefer- 
ence.” 

“ Then you feel assured that we may 
safely trust the matter to popular suffrage, 
when once these malcontents are sup- 
pressed ? ” 

“ To prevent any possibility of a mis- 
take, Excellency, 1 have arranged that for 
this election the ballot-boxes be done 
away with, and the people required to 
march to the polls between two files of 
soldiers with fixed bayonets. The Legi- 
timists and the Socialists will not dare to 
approach the polls at all, and the others 
will vote for the government as a matter 
of course.” 

“ Rather high-handed, were we not 
[221 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

forced to play these rascals at their own 
gamel There is bound to be a coup 
d’etat, and the only question is which 
one conies off first ! And now, good- 
night. We will resume our conference 
in the morning, when the commissioners 
begin to make their reports. I commend 
you to sleep soundly, as we may need 
our strength when the day breaks.” 

At seven o’clock on the morning of 
December second the conspirators were 
again seated in the secret cabinet of the 
President. The four subordinates plainly 
showed the signs of their night’s vigil, 
but the President was calm and self- 
possessed, giving no evidence that his 
own destiny and that of France were at 
stake. Their waiting was not long. 
Within a quarter of an hour, Leras, the 
[ 222 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Commissary of Police, was admitted to 
the cabinet. All sprang to their feet in 
excitement, except the President, who 
commanded them to be seated. 

“Ah, Leras,” remarked the President 
calmly, referring to the paper before him, 
“ you had General Changarnier assigned 
to you. I judge that he is safely at Mazas? 
You may make your report.” 

Leras saluted, and began his recital : 

“ Captain Baudinet and 1 were com- 
missioned to arrest General Changarnier. 
We were assisted by fifteen chosen 
agents, thirteen Republican Guards, and 
by a picket of ten men on horseback. 
At five minutes after six I rang at the 
door of the General’s house. The porter 
refused to open the gate, but we forced 
an entrance. 1 rushed up-stairs and 
entered the General’s apartment. He 

[223 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

appeared at his bedroom door with a 
pistol in each hand. 

“ 1 caught his arms, and said to him, 
‘What are you about, General? Your 
life is not in danger. Why defend it ? 
1 come to arrest you. We are thirty to 
one. Resistance is useless.’ He became 
calm, surrendered his pistols, and said, ‘ 1 
will follow you as soon as 1 have dressed.’ 
His valet dressed him, and then he 
turned to me and said, ‘ 1 know the 
Minister of Police to be a gentleman; 
kindly tell him that 1 depend upon his 
courtesy not to deprive me of my servant, 
whom 1 cannot do without/ I reassured 
him, and he entered the carriage without 
further protest, but maintaining a proud, 
defiant air, and occasionally looking out 
of the window, as if expecting to see 
some disturbance. 

[224 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ During the ride to Mazas he turned 
to me and said, ‘ Do you know what a 
narrow escape you have had? In one 
second more you would have been a 
dead man 1 I should have regretted it, 
for I see you have no arms, and only do 
your duty.’ 

“ ‘ If you had killed me, General,’ said I, 
‘ you would only have made a widow and 
four fatherless children to no purpose.’ 

“ ‘ But what is this coup d’etat for ? ’ 
he asked abruptly. ‘The President’s 
reelection was certain. He is giving 
himself much needless trouble.’ ” 

“ What did you reply ? ” asked the 
President sharply. 

“ I made no reply, Excellency.” 

“ Quite right, — you are an excellent 
officer. What else did Changarnier 
say ? ” 


[ 225 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Little else, except that when your 
Excellency was next engaged in a 
foreign war you would be glad to send 
for him, to intrust him with the com- 
mand of an army.” 

“ Hum 1 we shall see. Is that all ?” 

“ All, Excellency.” 

“ A very satisfactory report, Com- 
missary. You may go. Mocquard, 
show in the next.” 

“ The waiting-room is filled with com- 
missaries, Excellency, and more are 
arriving every moment.” 

“ That is a good sign ; the plans must 
have been carried out simultaneously. 
But we shall pass the entire day here if 
each report is as full as the one Leras 
just gave us. Mocquard, instruct 
the commissaries to give simply the 
names of the arrests, and what they 
[226 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

said. We may learn something if we 
listen.” 

“ Who was your man ? ” asked the 
President of the commissary just ad- 
mitted. 

“ M. La Grange, Excellency.” 

“ What did he say ? ” 

“ He protested against the violation of 
the Constitution, and said he had only 
to fire a pistol-shot out of the window 
in order to call the people to arms. On 
the way to Mazas he kept repeating, 
‘ It is a bold game, but well played.’ In 
the prison, Excellency, he spoke very 
strangely to General de Lamoriciere.” 

“ Did you overhear his words ? ” 

“ Yes, Excellency ; he said, ‘ Well, Gen- 
eral, we wished to put the fellow in, but 
he has put us in instead.’ ” 

“ Very good, you may go. Show in 

[227 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

the next. Now, officer, be brief ; whom 
did you arrest, and what did he say ? ” 

“ M. Dupin, Excellency. He said little 
until he arrived at the prison, when he 
asked me to have some cigars sent to 
him, and a copy of Thiers’ ‘ History of 
the French Revolution.’ ” 

“ Was he searched ? ” 

“ Yes, Excellency ; this paper was 
found in his coat.” 

The President rapidly scanned the 
paper, and then handed it to St. Arnaud. 
It was the order for his own arrest. 

“ We have not acted any too soon, it 
seems. The paper bears Dupin’s signa- 
ture.” 

“ What is the date ? ” asked Morny. 

“ November 29,” replied St. Arnaud. 

“ Then my prediction was correct,” 
added Morny smiling. “ Dupin has 
[228 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

carried that in his pocket for two days. 
Had his courage been stronger, our 
positions might have been reversed.” 

“ He shall be rewarded for his lack of 
courage,” observed the President dryly. 
“ Who is the hero of the next arrest ? ” 

“ M. Roger du Nord, Excellency. He 
behaved like a nobleman of the last 
century, on receiving an order to enter 
the Bastille. He welcomed us with the 
utmost politeness, begged us to excuse 
him while his servant shaved him and 
fixed his hair, and hoped we would 
take some cake and wine while we 
waited.” 

“ Did he talk ? ” demanded the Presi- 
dent. 

“ ‘ So we have a coup d’etat, then ? ’ he 
asked pleasantly. * Ma foi, 1 like it better 
than the stupid part we were playing at 

[ 229 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

the Assembly! Louis Napoleon will 
succeed. That is incontestable.’ ” 

“ Enough 1 ” cried the President rising, 
his joy at last overcoming his reserve. 
“ We have won without a shadow of a 
doubt. Gentlemen, I will leave you to 
examine the other commissaries. 1 
congratulate you upon the complete 
success of your undertaking, and myself 
upon the loyalty and devotion of men 
possessing such ability.” 

He paused at the door for a moment 
before retiring. 

“ Gentlemen,” he said, as he faced 
them firmly, with a ring of exultation in 
his voice, — “gentlemen, 1 have the 
honour to announce to you that the 
Second Empire has begun 1 ” 


[230J 



" Gentlemen , / to* the honour 
to announce to you that the 
Second Empire has begun ” 















































































































































































































































' 
































































CHAPTER EIGHT 


IDEA SON may be the lever , but sentiment gives 
one the fulcrum and the place to stand on if 
he wants to move the world. 

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. 


CHAPTER EIGHT 

YEAR IS BUT A TINY 
space of time, yet how 
many momentous episodes 
may be crowded into a 
single one! A president 
of France may successfully 
carry out a bold and desperate coup d’etat; 
a nation may reelect a president for a 
ten-year term, thus giving him sovereign 
power ; and then, as if tired of the farce 
of self-government, may place an Imperial 

[235 ] 




THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

crown upon his head, and transform the 
President into an emperor, — and the 
century may still be but one year older 1 
Louis Napoleon had been proclaimed 
Emperor. Nearly eight million French- 
men recorded their desire for the restora- 
tion of the dynasty, and on the first day 
of December, 1852, the Senate and the 
Legislative Assembly obeyed the people’s 
will by doing homage to their sovereign 
ruler at St. Cloud. The President of the 
French Republic cast aside his democratic 
mask, and Napoleon III. entered Paris 
amid the thunder of cannon, the roll of 
drums, and the shouts of the people, in 
the proud semblance of himself. 

Napoleon had been nearly three weeks 
an emperor. The Elysee Palace had been 
abandoned, and the newly restored Tui- 
leries offered a more suitable residence. 

[ 236 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Already the sumptuousness and luxury 
of the new regime had become apparent, 
yet the new Emperor seemed to his people 
very little changed from the Prince- 
President. Already they had accepted 
the transformation as a natural one. 

The Princess Mathilde, still mistress of 
the Emperor’s household, had regained 
the sisterly place in his affection which 
her unfortunate marriage with Prince 
Demidoff had nearly destroyed. Louis 
was proud of her incomparable Roman 
beauty, combining as it did both force 
and sweetness, and appreciated the rare 
part she had played in maintaining har- 
monious relations between himself and 
the other members of his family. Ma- 
thilde, on her side, had followed the 
Emperor’s meteoric rise with feelings of 
sincere rejoicing for him, and of pride for 

[ 237 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

her house ; but the time had now come 
when she saw a cloud gathering over her 
cousin’s welfare, and a danger menacing 
the family honour. 

The Princess had been awaiting an 
opportune time to discuss the matter with 
her cousin, and at last sought him in his 
library. The Emperor was seated at his 
desk, which was covered with books and 
papers, but directly in front of him, in a 
rare Sevres cup, was a bouquet of violets, 
whose fragrance seemed to give him in- 
spiration. He rose and laid down his pen 
as Mathilde approached. 

“You wish to speak to me?” he 
asked, again seating himself. 

“ Yes, Louis,” replied Mathilde, sitting 
down opposite him. “ 1 have been wait- 
ing for several days to find a chance to 
talk with you.” 

[ 238 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“You shall wait no longer, cousin,” 
said the Emperor kindly. “ Is it in my 
official or my private capacity that you 
seek me out ? I place both at your 
disposal.” 

“ In both,” answered Mathilde smiling. 
“ In your official capacity, I must ad- 
monish you for being remiss in your 
duty ; in your private capacity, I ask you 
not to be offended with me.” 

The Emperor regarded her deliberately 
before he spoke. 

“ If there is danger of causing offence 
in what you have to say,” he replied at 
length, “ 1 would leave it unsaid.” 

“No, no, Louis; 1 must speak,” 
Mathilde cried impulsively; “I have 
promised papa.” 

“ Oh ! if it is as serious as that we 
had better have it over with.” 

[ 239 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Mathilde hesitated before she con- 
tinued. Then she looked up into the 
Emperor’s face. 

“ You used to love me, Louis,” she 
said quietly. 

“ I love you now, Mathilde,” her 
cousin answered, with a perplexed ex- 
pression in his voice. “ Have 1 uncon- 
sciously wounded you in some way ? ” 

“ Not that, Louis,” she replied, her 
emotion increasing. “ Years ago you 
and 1 were to have been married. ” 

“ Yes ; and your prospective bride- 
groom was so inconsiderate as to get 
himself locked up in Ham, leaving you 
free to throw yourself away on that 
Russian scoundrel. But to what point 
does all this lead us ? ” 

“ To this, Louis. 1 am about to refer 
to the single subject which has ever 

[ 240 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

caused any unpleasantness between us, 
and I only do so because 1 feel it to be my 
duty. 1 speak of our past affection, that 
you may let it temper the force of your 
disapproval, and that you may know 
that 1 am prompted only by your best 
interests.” 

“You refer to the matter of my 
marriage, 1 judge.” 

“ Yes, Louis ; it is absolutely necessary 
that you should consider it at once,” 
Mathilde said decidedly. “You have 
regained the throne of France, but it will 
be again lost to the family unless you 
have a direct heir to succeed you.” 

“ You think that this is a matter which 
concerns me in some way ? ” asked the 
Emperor dryly. 

“ Why, of course. Why do you speak 
thus ? ” 

(241] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Let me see. During the last month 
you and Uncle Jerome have made over- 
tures on my behalf to the royal houses 
of Russia, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Ger- 
many, and England. 1 don’t think that 
1 have omitted any. What success have 
you had?” 

“ None, Louis ; but the Princess Czar- 
toryska of Poland will consider a matri- 
monial alliance if you yourself will make 
the proposal.” 

‘‘1 am indeed flattered ! 1 had an idea 
that either you or Uncle Jerdme would 
conclude the whole affair before advising 
me. You really think 1 ought to be 
married ? ” 

“ 1 do, Louis ; but there is no reason 
why you should make it so uncomfort- 
able for me.” 

“ Forgive me, cousin,” he replied smil- 

[242 ] 





THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 


mg. “ I did not mean to hurt your 
feelings, but were it not possible for me 
to see the humourous side of the situa- 
tion 1 should be very much chagrined 
over the refusal of so many royal houses 
to consider me as other than an impostor, 
and by the evidence that they look upon 
me as quite unworthy of serious atten- 
tion. As a matter of fact, however, 
while you and Uncle Jerome have been 
so busily engaged in finding a wife for 
me, 1, too, have made efforts in another 
direction, but, unfortunately, with no 
better results.” 

“ What do you mean, Louis ? ” asked 
Mathilde with much interest. 

“ Simply this, — that 1 recognise the call 
of duty of which you remind me, and 1 
am glad to say that for once the call has 
an agreeable sound.” 

[ 243 1 


ihr - -V hr 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ You are in love ? ” The Princess 
was incredulous. 

“ As if 1 were a boy of twenty, instead 
of a man of forty-four, in whom you 
would scarce expect it,” the Emperor 
cried enthusiastically. “You are sur- 
prised that so insignificant a sentiment 
as love can enter into an emperor’s 
plans for marriage ? ” 

“ Her name, Louis ? ” 

“ Mademoiselle Eugenie de Montijo.” 

Mathilde regarded the Emperor with 
an expression of astonishment. 

“ Surely you are not serious, Louis ? 
Your attentions to Mademoiselle de 
Montijo have been most marked, but 
you cannot contemplate bringing such a 
disgrace upon your family, and upon 
France itself.” 

The Emperor regarded his cousin 

[244 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

steadily for a moment before reply- 
ing. 

“You are going too far, Mathilde, 
when you speak thus of Mademoiselle 
de Montijo,” he said deliberately. “ Far 
from being a disgrace, 1 shall count it as 
an honour if she may be induced to share 
my throne with me.” 

“ If she may be induced to share your 
throne 1 Now 1 know that you are jest- 
ing, Louis.” Mathilde’s laughter seemed 
strangely out of keeping with the Em- 
peror’s face. 

“When 1 tell you that 1 have twice 
offered myself to her and been twice re- 
fused, perhaps you will realise that 1 am 
not jesting.” 

“ But if she does not love you, Louis, 
why are you so determined ? If you can- 
not make a political alliance with some 

[ 245 ] 





# 



THE FLOWER 


jSZh 


fWl 


royal house, at least select a French lady, 
of some old French name, endeared to 
the people.” 

“ She does love me, Mathilde, and it is 
because of her love that she refuses to 
take the place which she thinks belongs 
to another. You have done my duty to 
the State for me. You have satisfied 
yourself that the royal houses of Europe 
regard me as an adventurer and a pre- 
tender. Here is a lady who loves me not 
because of my position, but in spite of it. 

I worship her. Because I am Emperor, 
must I deny myself the privilege of the 
meanest of my subjects, and have a wife 
forced upon me whom I do not wish ? ” 

Mathilde threw herself at the Emperor’s 
feet, and clasped his knees. 

“ Louis, you must heed me,” she cried 
passionately. “A marriage with the 

R L \ \ 


[ 246 ] 





THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Polish Princess will do much to 
strengthen the standing of our house, 
while to marry this Spanish lady, even 
granting her loveliness and her attrac- 
tiveness — ” 

“ She has intellect for two and courage 
for three,” interrupted the Emperor with 
decision. 

“ Even granting all that,” continued 
Mathilde earnestly, “a marriage other 
than with a royal house will bring 
discredit.” 

“ Did the marriage of the great head 
of our house with the beloved Josephine 
bring discredit?” asked the Emperor 
warmly. “ No ; and 1 am satisfied that 
to break away from old political traditions 
is an advantage rather than otherwise. 
The people have not forgotten that for 
seventy years princesses have ascended 

[ 247 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

the throne only to see their race exiled 
and dispersed by war or revolution. But 
one single woman appears to have 
brought happiness, either to her husband 
or to her people, and she holds a higher 
place in their memory than any other. 
And that woman had no drop of royal 
blood in her veins. I intend to make of 
Eugenie a second Josephine, Mathilde, 
and my people will accept my choice as 
they did that of my predecessor.” 

“ Oh, Louis, can you not see that there 
is a difference?” cried the Princess be- 
seechingly, “ that Napoleon had won the 
people by his feats of arms ? He was not 
only their ruler but their idol. You have 
yet to win this place in their hearts.” 

“ When a man has been raised before 
the eyes of all Europe, and by the power 
of a new principle, to the level of ancient 

[ 248 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

dynasties,” the Emperor continued, “ he 
ought not to seek admission to their circle 
in order to add age to his own es- 
cutcheon, or for the sake of forcibly 
intruding himself into a royal family. 
It is far better for him to be mindful of 
his own descent, to preserve his own 
individual character, and in the face of 
Europe frankly and openly to avenge his 
position of parvenu, — an honourable 
title when it has been bestowed upon 
him by the unanimous voice of a great 
and free people.” 

“ But, Louis — ” 

“ My marriage, cousin, is a private 
matter. It only remains for me to speak 
my choice, and for her to accept my offer. 
The lady whom I would select is of 
illustrious descent. In feeling, education, 
and remembrance of the blood which her 

[249 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

father shed in the Imperial cause she is 
French. As a Spaniard by birth, she has 
at least the advantage that she is free 
from relatives in France to whom it 
might have been necessary to assign posts 
of honour. Endowed as she is with the 
choicest qualities of heart and mind, she 
will be an ornament to the throne, and 
its strongest support in the hour of 
danger.” 

“The Princess Czartoryska — ” 

“ Mademoiselle de Montijo is a pious 
Roman Catholic, like myself, and will 
offer fervent prayers for the welfare of 
France. Gracious and good, she will 
recall all the virtues of the Empress 
Josephine, and add new ones of her own. 
I am firmly determined, if her consent 
can be gained, to say to France that I 
prefer to choose a consort whom I love 
[250] 




and esteem, rather than a stranger through 
whom I might possibly gain some ad- 
vantages, but such as might demand 
sacrifices on my part. Without slighting 
any one, I am following my own inclina- 
tions after careful and prudent reflection. 
And while I prefer independence, good 
qualities, and family happiness to the 
possible advantage of the dynasty and 
ambitious calculations, I shall not be the 
less powerful because 1 am my own 
master.” 

“ But the Princess Czartoryska is said 
to possess all these attractions, and the 
royal connection as well.” 

The Emperor regarded Mathilde re- 
proachfully. 

“ And you still urge me to prefer the 
Polish Princess to the Spanish lady after 
all that I have told you of her?” 
last] 




THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ I have given you my reasons, Louis. 
I intend no discourtesy to Mademoiselle 
de Montijo, but a marriage with the 
Princess Czartoryska is much more de- 
sirable from every standpoint.” 

“ Then we must agree to disagree on 
this point, my dear cousin,” said the 
Emperor, signifying that he wished to 
dismiss the subject. “ For my part, I 
prefer the Cachucha to the Mazurka. I 
am sorry to act against your wishes, but 
1 intend again to offer myself to Made- 
moiselle de Montijo while at the hunt at 
Conipiegne to-morrow, and if she ac- 
cepts me, France will have an empress.” 


[ 252 ] 






CHAPTER NINE 




;xxxxxixixxxxiixxxxxxxxxxxi 


moves a goddess, and she looks a queen . 


POPE. 



CHAPTER NINE 

S TO-DAY’S FETE AT 
T Compiegne in honour of 

the Court, or is it to gratify 
J_ the whim of Mademoiselle 

de Montijo ?” asked Prince 
Napoleon ill-humouredly 
of the Princess Clotilde. The Prince, 
together with Jer6me Bonaparte, his 
father, could not forgive the success 
which had come to the present head of 
their house. 




[ 255 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“You seem to be annoyed by the 
Emperor’s devotion, cousin,” replied 
Clotilde. 

“ I do not undertake to criticise his 
devotion,” continued the Prince. “ He 
may seek his pleasures where he likes ; 
but to force this adventuress upon us, 
and to give her such precedence, is an 
insult to the Court and to us.” 

“ But she is beautiful, — n’est-ce- 
pas?” Clotilde was in a teasing mood. 

“So was Madame du Barry, so was 
the Countess Walewski, — but neither 
Louis XV. nor Napoleon attempted to 
disguise their real position. The Em- 
peror would have us believe this Spanish 
goddess the embodiment of virtue and a 
pattern for us all I ” 

“ But her path is not all strewn with 
roses, my dear cousin. She is being 

[ 256 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

taught her place, and will soon prefer to 
keep it. At the ball at the Tuileries last 
week, when she and Colonel de Toulon- 
geon took their positions in the grand 
march, Madame Fortoul was exceedingly 
annoyed. Mademoiselle de Montijo, 
however, held her precedence, but 
Madame Fortoul said, loud enough for her 
to overhear, ‘ The new Court is reversing 
the usual rules of etiquette, it seems. 
Spanish countesses and other nameless 
personages now outrank even those who 
were born grandes dames’ Mademoi- 
selle flushed, but she held her ground 
bravely.” 

“ She has audacity enough to carry 
her through,” assented the Prince, “ but 
for how long a time are we to be forced 
to endure her? The situation is quite 
unbearable.” 

[ 257 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ I had my own little fling at her the 
other evening,” continued Clotilde. “ She 
endeavoured to be particularly gracious 
to me, but for some reason the conver- 
sation lagged. Finally she said with a 
sigh, ‘ Do you not find these Court 
ceremonies wearisome and exhausting ? ’ 
‘ Oh, no,’ 1 replied, ‘ not a bit. 1 am so 
accustomed to them at home 1 ’ ” 

“ Did she appreciate the hit ? ” 

“1 think so; but she well concealed 
her chagrin.” 

“ There is a marvellously brilliant 
assemblage for the hunt to-day,” observed 
the Prince, glancing around the Galerie 
des Cartes, and out upon the courtyard, 
which was gay with groups of horses, 
and the hounds, tugging at their leashes, 
impatiently awaiting the sound of the 
horn. 

[258 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ The Emperor has certainly succeeded 
in giving his Court a gorgeous setting,” 
admitted Clotilde. “He has had his 
throne less than a month, yet his enter- 
tainments outshine even those of the 
great Napoleon at the height of his 
power.” 

“ I know it,” continued the Prince. 
“ It all seems like the story of Aladdin’s 
lamp, and each morning 1 rub my eyes 
to make sure it is not a dream, the 
ball at the Tuileries the other night, of 
which you spoke just now, was enough 
to make one doubt his senses. Such 
splendour, such magnificence ! The 
grand staircase decorated with garlands 
of flowers on either side; one of the 
‘ Cent Gardes’ standing on every step ; 
crowds of invited guests waiting in the 
galleries for the Salle des Marechaux to 

[ 259 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

be thrown open ; the chamberlains in 
scarlet coats and gold embroidery, 
the equerries in green and gold, the 
huntsmen in silver and green, and the 
Prefects of the Palace in crimson and 
gold. Then the Masters of the Cere- 
monies in violet, and other officials in 
pale blue and silver, the brilliant uniforms 
of the army, and the extravagant dresses 
of the ladies, — mon Dieu ! it was enough 
to intoxicate one’s reason, was it not ? ” 

“ And the most beautiful sight of all 
was Mademoiselle de Montijo I ” added 
Clotilde significantly. 

“ Peste 1 yes ; and she is but a sample 
of its unreality, — new names, new meet- 
ing-places; celebrities and favourites 
springing up like mushrooms, — and as 
like to wither as the sun goes down.” 

“ Ah ! this is the occasion of our long 
[ 260 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

delay,” exclaimed Clotilde sarcastically, 
as the doors were thrown open, and the 
Emperor hastened to the courtyard, un- 
attended, to welcome a late-comer. 
“Mademoiselle de Montijo fully ap- 
preciates the value of a dramatic entrance 
upon the scene. Look, cousin 1 She is 
riding astride!” 

All eyes were directed toward the 
courtyard. Eugenie was mounted upon 
her Andalusian, which had already be- 
come famous in Paris because of its 
owner. Her perfect figure was well 
defined by her closely buttoned and 
elegant habit ; the skirt was long and 
wide, over grey trousers, which barely 
showed at the stirrups over her patent- 
leather boots, high-heeled and spurred. 
With one of her tiny hands she held the 
reins and a little riding-whip, the handle 
[261 } 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

of which was set with pearls, while she 
extended the other to the Emperor, who 
grasped it eagerly. She sat her horse 
like a knight of old, despising the saddle 
used by the other ladies, but her beauty 
and grace gave to her innovation a dignity 
which demanded respect. Her long 
braids were arranged beneath a dainty 
felt hat, from which waved a magnificent 
ostrich feather, fastened with a diamond 
clasp, and at her breast she wore an 
enormous bunch of violets. Her brilliant 
eyes flashed like lightning, and the be- 
witching smile, which played about her 
rosy lips as she greeted her royal host, 
displayed the whiteness of her teeth. 

“ I am late, Sire ; I crave your pardon.” 

“ It is granted in all save that you have 
deprived us of just so much of your 
presence, mademoiselle.” 

[ 262 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

The Emperor gave the signal, and the 
guests streamed out from the Galerie des 
Cartes into the courtyard, where they 
mounted their horses, or entered their 
chars a bancs. The assemblage, headed 
by the Emperor and Mademoiselle de 
Montijo, proceeded slowly out of the 
courtyard to an intersecting cross-road 
of the forest. To the imposing picture of 
the beautiful horses and their riders, and 
the eager hounds, restrained only by 
their master, much was added by the 
postilions, clad in wolf’s-skin saddle- 
cloths, and scarlet breeches, with innu- 
merable little bells suspended from their 
garments, which tinkled merrily as they 
rode along. The piqueurs also wore red 
breeches and gold-laced hats, and shoes 
with silver buckles. The gentlemen from 
the Palace were clad in the Royal Hunt 

[263 ] . 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

uniform, and some of the ladies even 
ventured upon the three-cornered hat, 
with gold lace trimmings. 

As soon as the cross-road was reached, 
the hounds were led forward in pairs, and 
quickly slipped. The hunting-party, 
which had dismounted, got their horses 
well in hand, while the driver of each 
carriage manoeuvred to obtain the best 
position. All impatiently awaited the 
sound of the horn, which would an- 
nounce that the fox had been sighted, 
and permit the gay cavalcade to rush 
into the forest. 

The Emperor’s devotion to Made- 
moiselle de Montijo was the general topic 
of conversation among those sufficiently 
removed from their leaders to run no risk 
of being overheard. The jealousy which 
had been gradually increasing as the 

[264 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

Emperor’s attentions became more 
marked, smouldered in the hearts of the 
Court beauties, to whom the spectacular 
change from Republic to Empire had 
brought visions of future greatness. An 
unmarried sovereign, spurned, as all 
knew, by the royal houses, must look 
elsewhere for his consort ; and where 
should he more naturally turn than to 
some one of their own number? The 
gentlemen of the Court, as the surest 
way to curry favour with the ladies, 
sympathised with them in their unquali- 
fied censures, even though secretly en- 
vious of the Emperor’s good fortune in 
having beside him the one woman who 
easily outshone all the others both in 
beauty and in interest. 

“One could scarce imagine a more 
brazen exhibition than we have just 

[ 265 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

witnessed,” remarked the Comtesse de 
Bury, turning to her cavalier. “ The 
little vixen has grown bolder than ever 
since her triumph at the Tuileries last 
week.” 

“ She evidently feels herself secure in 
the Emperor’s good favour,” assented 
Comte Latour. 

“How far has their intimacy ad- 
vanced? ” inquired the Comtesse Beaure- 
gard. “ Has she been crowned yet as 
the queen of the left-hand?” 

“ Shocking, Comtesse,” cried Latour, 
holding up his finger chidingly. “ A 
pretty face and a graceful figure, even 
though astride a saddle, does not neces- 
sarily imply a Montespan in our midst. 
1 advise you not to let the Emperor 
overhear so insinuating a suggestion.” 

“ 1 do not intend to let him overhear 
[ 266 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

it,” replied the Comtesse, “ but 1 may 
think what I choose.” 

“Away!” cried Latour; “ there sounds 
the horn!” 

The cavalcade rushed forward, spread- 
ing out through the narrow roads and 
alleys, until the ancient forest itself be- 
came a moving panorama. The carriages, 
pushing forward as far as space per- 
mitted, presented to their occupants a 
series of stirring views, as through the 
trees might be seen now the brilliant 
pink of a hunter’s coat ; now the gold- 
laced hat of a piqueur, as he dashed by ; 
now a stray hound, separated from the 
pack, scurrying through the dead leaves 
and the underbrush, his nose on the 
ground, and his ears lopping down de- 
jectedly. Then the faint notes of the horn 
came to them, and suddenly all evidences 

[267 ] 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

of the hunt were lost, the hounds and 
riders to appear again as unexpectedly 
as they had vanished, as the quarry 
doubled on his tracks, and the chase 
turned back toward its starting-point. 

Back and forth through the forest, out 
into the clearing, down the hill into the 
narrow valley below, across the brook, 
up the steep ascent on the other side, 
into the forest again, the hounds and 
the riders spread out, following the 
terrific pace set them by the fox. Twice 
they have nearly cornered him, and twice 
he has slipped out from under their very 
feet to a well-earned covert. But now 
he turns out of the woods, in a desperate 
attempt to distance his pursuers, into 
the open, and the hounds burst upon 
him. 

It was a small party which was in at 
[268 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

the death. The pace had left all but 
a few of the best riders of the Court far 
behind, but Eugenie’s superb horseman- 
ship easily gave her a place among these 
few. Filled with the exhilaration of the 
chase, she proudly received the con- 
gratulations of her companions, leaning 
forward and stroking her horse’s neck 
affectionately, while waiting for the 
cherished trophy to be presented to her. 
Her hat had been blown back by the 
force of the ride, and she carried it on 
the saddle before her. 

“ You have won the place beside me, 
Eugenie,” said the Emperor, as the other 
members of the party respectfully fell 
back, allowing the two to ride together, 
well in advance. Then leaning forward, 
he added quietly, “ You have won the 
place which I have so long yearned to 

[ 269 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

give to you, — not for this ride only, but 
for all time.” 

Eugenie was silent, and her look was 
directed far into the forest. 

“ I have waited patiently, accepting 
your better judgment, while l have been 
accomplishing my destiny; but why 
should I wait longer, Euge'nie ? Why 
should 1 not crown my work and you at 
the same time ? ” 

“ You have accomplished your own 
destiny, Louis,” replied the girl, smiling 
as she looked up at him, “ but it yet re- 
mains for you to establish your family 
upon the throne which you have won. 
You need but an alliance with some royal 
house to secure this. You must not 
ask me to prevent you from doing your 
full duty to France, which has responded 
so nobly to your own demands.” 

[ 270 1 


THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“My uncle and my cousin have not 
been remiss in their duty in this regard,” 
replied the Emperor. “ They have en- 
deavoured to secure a favourable response 
to their matrimonial overtures on my 
behalf from every crowned house in 
Europe, but with the exception of an 
insignificant Polish princess, they have 
had their labour for their pains. I am 
still regarded only as a parvenu, a pre- 
tender. You see, Eugenie, 1 am frank 
with you, — I am offering you a doubtful 
honour.” 

“ You are offering me your love, Louis ; 
more than which no man can offer,” cried 
Eugenie quickly ; “ and you are making 
it very hard for me to withstand, loving 
you as I do with a devotion which even 
you can never imagine.” She paused 
abruptly, — then she added, “ But 1 will 

[ 271 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

make it easier for us both, Louis. I am 
going to leave Paris.” 

“Leave Paris! You will not punish 
me so severely for my persistence?” 

“ Not for that, Louis ; but because I 
cannot stay here and receive such marked 
attentions from you without being placed 
in an equivocal position. No one 
imagines for a moment that you think of 
marrying me, and your devotion is 
entirely misunderstood. In Paris there 
are no Platonic friendships, Louis, and 
already I have become an object of 
suspicion and of the bitter gossip of the 
Court.” 

“Who has dared — ” 

“ It is but natural, Louis. The other 
evening at the Tuileries, — even here to- 
day at Compiegne, I have overheard in- 
nuendoes, and have been oppressed with 
[272 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

the instinctive discomfort a woman feels 
when her reputation is questioned. No, 
there is but one thing to do, and that is 
to remove myself from Paris, and thus 
give this gossip no further food to feed 
upon.” 

The Emperor made no response, but 
rode silently beside his fair companion. 
The sun struck through the grand old 
trees, and lighted up their path. The 
horses champed at their bits, impatient 
over the sudden change from the excite- 
ment of the chase to the slow pace back 
to the starting-point. But the riders 
merely checked their horses’ spirits and 
continued their thoughts. 

“ You are not angry with me, Louis?” 

Eugenie looked across at the Emperor, 
as she broke the silence. Her face showed 
her own struggle. 

[ 273 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

“ Not with you, Eugenie ; but with 
myself. I have been selfish, and a coward. 
Now I will avenge you, and justify my- 
self.” 

“ What are you going to do ? ” asked 
the girl anxiously. 

“ This time 1 shall neither confide in 
you nor ask your advice,” replied the 
Emperor kindly but firmly. 

They approached the rendezvous, and 
those who had remained in the carriages 
joined with the huntsmen and the ladies, 
who had fallen out of the chase, in greet- 
ing their monarch. The Emperor paid 
little attention to them, but mechanically 
raised his hand to his hat. He rode 
gravely to a tree on the farther side of 
the group, where he assisted Eugenie to 
dismount. 

“ Mademoiselle,” he said in a clear 

[ 274 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

voice, “ you have won the honours of the 
hunt. Since I may not have the brush, 
will you not reward me with the violets 
you have worn?” 

Wonderingly, Eugenie disengaged the 
blossoms from her habit, and handed 
them to the Emperor. Quickly tearing 
them apart, he fashioned them into the 
semblance of a floral crown. 

“ Ladies and gentlemen of the Court,” 
he said, turning to his guests, “ I have 
the honour to announce to you and to 
France that Mademoiselle de Montijo 
will share with me the Imperial throne.” 

Thunderstruck by the announcement, 
the Court gathered around Eugenie, and 
made their obeisance. Then the Em- 
peror turned to the girl beside him, but 
paused for a moment to regard with 
undisguised admiration the picture she 

[ 275 ] 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

presented. Eugenie, overpowered by the 
suddenness of the announcement, and 
the impossibility of retreat, stood erect, 
accepting the realisation of her fondest 
dreams with a bearing at once womanly 
and regal. Her cheeks were flushed, and 
her eyes, full of gratitude and devotion, 
were fixed upon the man before her. She 
was oblivious to the obsequious courtesies 
of those around her; she was unconscious 
of the power which had so suddenly 
come to her; she forgot France. She 
was looking into the eyes of the man 
she loved, and her heart no longer 
struggled to restrain itself within the 
bounds which she herself had imposed. 

The Emperor took a step nearer, and 
with a quick movement placed the crown 
of violets upon her head. His action, 
more than his words, brought the girl to 

[ 276 } 



THE FLOWER OF DESTINY 

a full appreciation of the new world 
which had opened before her. 

“ Accept these flowers of destiny, my 
Empress, — wear this crown, which I 
place upon your head, until France shall 
present you with another ! ” 


277 





























































































































1C0PY DEL. TO CAT. DIV. 

APR 21 1905 

. apR m 










